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Overview
California Children's Services (CCS) is a statewide program administered by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) that provides specialized medical care, diagnostic services, treatment, medical case management, and medical therapy services for children and youth with certain eligible medical conditions. The program helps children receive medically necessary care from CCS-approved specialists and facilities.
Who Is Eligible?
A child or young adult may qualify for CCS if they:
Are under 21 years of age
Live in California
Have a CCS-eligible medical condition
Meet financial eligibility requirements or are enrolled in Medi-Cal (depending on the type of CCS service requested)
Note: Financial eligibility is not limited to families with lower incomes. Families with higher incomes may still qualify if the child's out-of-pocket medical expenses for the CCS-eligible condition are expected to exceed a specified percentage of the family's adjusted gross income. Children enrolled in Medi-Cal may also qualify.
Services Provided
Depending on eligibility, CCS may provide or coordinate:
Specialty physician services
Hospital care and surgery
Diagnostic testing
Medical case management
Medical equipment and supplies
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Medical Therapy Program (MTP) services for eligible children with medically eligible orthopedic or neuromuscular conditions
Rehabilitation services
Examples of Eligible Medical Conditions
CCS covers many serious chronic, disabling, and life-threatening medical conditions. Examples include:
Cerebral palsy
Congenital heart disease
Cancer
Cystic fibrosis
Hemophilia and other blood disorders
Spina bifida
Certain neurological disorders
Orthopedic conditions requiring specialized treatment
Severe congenital anomalies
Chronic kidney disease
Diabetes (when CCS eligibility criteria are met)
Medical eligibility is determined by CCS based on established statewide criteria.
Medical Therapy Program (MTP)
The CCS Medical Therapy Program (MTP) provides physical therapy and occupational therapy for children with medically eligible orthopedic or neuromuscular conditions. Unlike other CCS services, financial eligibility is not required for children who qualify for the Medical Therapy Program.
How to Apply
Families may apply by:
Contacting their local County CCS office
Asking their child's pediatrician or specialist for a referral
Being referred by a hospital or another healthcare provider
The local CCS office reviews medical, residential, and financial eligibility before determining enrollment.
📚 References
This content was adapted from:
Reviewed by ME, Behavioral Health Committee, JW MD, Patient Education Committee.