Children with Medical Handicaps (CMH)

Wyandot County Public Health’s Children with Medical Handicaps (CMH), (formerly known as Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps or BCMH), is a program administered by the Ohio Department of Health that links families of children with special health care needs to a network of quality providers helping families pay for the medical services a child needs.

What are Special Health Care Needs?

Special health care needs may be caused by a condition a child is born with or develops later. The condition is chronic in nature and will last longer than a year.

Who is Eligible for CMH?

  • Less than 21-years-old
  • A permanent Ohio resident
  • Seen by a CMH doctor
  • Have a CMH qualified medical condition or diagnosed condition

What Conditions are Eligible for CMH Treatment?

Call a Public Health Nurse to see if your child’s condition is eligible (419-294-3852). Common conditions covered include, but are not limited to:

  • Diabetes
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Severe vision disorders
  • Hearing loss
  • Spinal bifida
  • Scoliosis
  • Chronic lung disease
  • Hemophilia
  • AIDS
  • Juvenile Arthritis
  • Heart disease
  • Cancer
  • Sickle Cell disease
  • Cleft lip/palate
  • Metabolic disorders

Programs & Services Include

The Diagnostic Program

The Diagnostic program pays for diagnosis of medical conditions. There are no income restrictions to qualify for Diagnosis services. Children are referred to a CMH approved doctor to evaluate the child to see if he/she has a medical concern. Services include:

  • Test and X-Rays
  • Therapy evaluations
  • Up to 5 days in the hospital
  • Public Health Nursing Services

The Treatment Program

Treatment is received from CMH approved providers for eligible conditions. There are medical AND income guidelines to qualify.

We personalize your service through home visits to provide family centered-care to assist in providing education and assessing needs. We keep in touch through visits, phone calls and letters to provide support so you never feel alone while navigating through the complex health care system.

What Does the Treatment Program CMH Pay For?

Public Health Nurses are Registered Nurses (RN) who help to coordinate services for your child and serve as your child’s advocate to get the help your child needs.

The Public Health Nurse is an important resource who can help families:

  • Identify children with special health care needs
  • Provide education about the CMH program
  • Help fill out required forms for CMH
  • Help with the yearly renewal process
  • Understand your child’s treatment services
  • Refer your child to doctors and other services, supports and resources
  • Coordinate care between different community agencies
  • Advocate for your child to help your child get the care needed
  • Help with appeals and denials, if needed
  • Work with agencies to make sure your child’s health care needs are met.

Please click here to visit the Ohio Department of Health for more information regarding the CMH Program.

Wyandot County Public Health is nationally accredited through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). Established in 2007, PHAB is the non-profit organization that administers the national accreditation program, which aims to advance and transform public health practice by championing performance improvement, strong infrastructure, and innovation.