CMH (Children with Medical Handicaps)

CMH is a program sponsored by the Ohio Department of Health that assists Darke County families with children who have special needs.

Diagnostic services are available to any child until age 21. If a child is determined to have a qualifying disability and the parents meet income guidelines, then a treatment program is started. CMH is a tax-supported program of the Ohio Department of Health that helps children with special health care needs, and their families. The program assists families in obtaining services to diagnose a potential handicapping condition (the Diagnostic Program) and assists with ongoing services for children with an eligible medical handicap (the Treatment Program). For both the diagnostic and treatment programs, children must be under the age of 21, live in Ohio, be a permanent U.S. resident, and be under the care of a CMH-approved physician.

The Diagnostic Program assists families in obtaining an evaluation of a potentially handicapping condition regardless of the family’s income.

The Treatment Program is for children who have been diagnosed as having an eligible medically handicapping condition.

Families must meet financial eligibility guidelines. Some examples of eligible conditions are: Chronic Pulmonary Disease, Diabetes, Juvenile Arthritis, Cystic Fibrosis, Cancer, Cleft Lip/Palate, Cerebral Palsy, Hemophilia, Spina Bifida, Hearing Loss, Heart Defects and Seizure disorders. Families or agencies may apply to CMH by contacting a local public health nurse at (937) 548-4196 ext. 215, the child’s physician, or the CMH office at the Ohio Department of Health.

Parents may call toll free to 1-800 755-GROW (4769) or 614-466-1700

To get started with the CMH enrollment process, a Medical Application form must be completed by your child’s physician or the local health department nurse.

Click here for application