Complex Medical Help (CMH)
What is CMH?
The Complex Medical Help Program (CMH) is part of the Ohio Department of Health. Hamilton County Public Health works with CMH to provide services locally.
CMH helps children and young adults with special health care needs get the care they need to stay as healthy as possible. The program uses a team approach, where primary care providers and families work together to support each person’s health and quality of life. Services are family-centered, community-based, and culturally competent.
Families with Medicaid or private insurance may be eligible to use CMH as a backup to help cover costs related to their child’s CMH diagnosis.
What services are available?
- Diagnostic program – Provides evaluation, diagnosis and development of treatment plan for potentially chronic conditions.
- Treatment program – Provides ongoing treatment for eligible children, but CMH does not cover every service that children with qualifying conditions may need.
- Services coordination program – Provides coordinators who help families develop a plan of care that addresses the needs of the family and patient. The service coordinator also helps identify available resources.
- Public health nurses – Hamilton County Public Health nurses work closely with CMH families. They help identify children with special health care needs, support families in using available services, explain the program and application process, and assist with completing paperwork.
Who qualifies?
Children ages 0-26 who are Ohio residents with special medical needs or chronic medical conditions may be eligible. Generally, the following conditions and chronic illnesses are eligible:
- Children born with medical conditions such as birth defects, cerebral palsy, spina bifita and cystic fibrosis.
- Children who develop chronic medical conditions after birth such as cancer, diabetes, epilepsy and chronic ear infections.
- Children in all income levels qualify to receive some level of service.
- Medical and financial eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Want more information?
Learn more about the program on the Ohio Department of Health website.