Wyandot County Public Health’s Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps (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 BCMH?
- Less than 21-years-old
- A permanent Ohio resident
- Seen by a BCMH doctor
- Have a BCMH qualified medical condition or diagnosed condition
What Conditions are Eligible for BCMH 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 BCMH 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 BCMH 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 BCMH 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 BCMH program
- Help fill out required forms for BCMH
- 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.