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California Children Services (CCS) Program

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What is the California Children Services (CCS) Program? California's medical program for treating children diagnosed with certain physically disabling medical conditions was started by the California Legislature in 1927. Many medical conditions, which are physically disabling are eligible for benefits under the CCS program. This tax supported program provides specialized medical care and rehabilitation for children whose families cannot provide all or part of the care. Who Is Eligible For The CCS Program? The program is available to anyone who is: 1. Under 21 years of age; and 2. Is a San Mateo County resident; and 3. Has a physically disabling medical condition that is eligible for care under CCS; and 4. Whose family income is less than $40,000 a year (State adjusted gross income). An individual whose family has a higher income may receive services if the estimated cost of medical care in one year is expected to exceed 20 percent of the adjusted gross income (AGI). There is no financial eligibility required for diagnostic services, medical therapy program, high risk infant follow-up, and the children's HIV program. What Services Does The CCS Program Provide? Diagnostic Evaluations Children whose family doctor has documentation to support the suspicion of having one of the CCS eligible conditions are eligible for free diagnostic services. Treatment Services For a CCS-eligible medical condition, including medical dental and surgical care, pharmaceuticals, physical and occupational therapy, laboratory tests, X-rays, appliances, equipment, and other needed services. Physical and Occupational Therapy Is provided in a Medical Therapy Unit and other public school sites located throughout the county to children who meet specific criteria and demonstrate a need for medically necessary PT and OT. Although therapy services are free of charge, provision of adaptive equipment and orthotics utilized in therapy program require financial eligibility. Therapy services are delivered under physician's prescription. Medical Case Management Is provided by the CCS program. It includes: referrals to medical specialists and centers; follow-up with others involved with the care of the child such as schools, public health/school nurses, social workers and other agencies; transferring medical records; locating new facilities and services when families move; and assisting the family to cope with the child's condition. What If I Have Private Health Insurance Coverage For My Child? Your child can be eligible for the CCS program even though you have private health insurance coverage. There may be services or treatments that your insurance may not cover that may be eligible for CCS. If your child is a CCS applicant/client and has individual or group private health insurance coverage, you must report it to the county CCS office and to the child's health care provider. What If My Child Is Medi-Cal Eligible? Children who are Medi-Cal eligible and have approved CCS medical conditions are usually eligible for CCS case management and other services not covered by Medi-Cal. This is also true for children who are enrolled in Health Plan of San Mateo (HPSM). This arrangement assures that all California children with complex, disabling medical conditions will receive appropriate specialized care. Additional Information State of California CCS Page (link will open in new window) CCS Application Form (PDF) (link will open in new window) Aplicación para CCS - en Español (PDF) (abrirá en una nueva ventana) CCS Medical Therapy Unit Brochure (PDF): English / Español      Contact Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. P.O. Box 5894 2000 Alameda de las Pulgas, Suite 230 San Mateo, CA 94403 (650) 573-2755 (650) 573-2751 (FAX) last updated: 2/08/08