Marsha Cresmen’s daughter was a newborn when she was diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a rare genetic condition that causes global developmental delays and affects the brain and hormones. “For the most part, kids with PWS are not able to live independent lives,” Cresmen explains.
Caring for a child with a chronic health condition can be challenging. From frequent medical visits to the emotional stress of ensuring your child’s well-being, it can feel overwhelming.
There’s help for those with medical special health care needs, parents and caregivers in Oakland County.
Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS), a program offered by Oakland County Health Division and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), provides crucial support.
In the 14 years since her daughter’s birth, Cresmen says she has relied on CSHCS to help pay out-of-pocket costs for surgeries and other medical care. Although she didn’t use the case management services that come with CSHCS in Oakland County, she says she wishes she had.
“Not every county has dedicated case management services. For a new parent with a child with medical conditions, it can be all overwhelming. Having a person by your side helping you through it is a huge benefit,” she says.
After her daughter was born, Cresmen adjusted her goal of becoming a veterinarian and opted to become a nurse instead. Now she works for the Oakland County Health Division, providing support to families through CSHCS as a public health nurse. She helps families learn about how CSHCS can help with medical special health care needs.
Here are the key things you need to know to help your child and family thrive.
1. You may be able to get financial support for medical care
CSHCS may be able to help families with children who have chronic health conditions by providing financial support for medical services and equipment. This may include covering medical bills, co-pays, specialist visits and even travel expenses for medical care.
If your child needs medical equipment like a wheelchair, CSHCS may be able to assist with that too. This support ensures your child gets the care they need to improve their quality of life.
2. Nursing case management and care coordination can help you navigate health care programs
Navigating the services necessary to support a person with medical special healthcare needs can be confusing. The nursing case management and care coordination offered by CSHCS helps families navigate the healthcare system and connect to community resources. These resources can assist families in providing the highest quality of life for the baby, child or young adult.
3. Eligibility is broad and inclusive
Your child might qualify for CSHCS if they have a chronic medical condition that requires specialist care. The program covers over 2,700 conditions, including asthma, diabetes and epilepsy. It’s open to children and young adults under 26.
Families with commercial insurance, Medicaid, or no insurance can apply. The program is not based on income, so financial need is not a barrier.
4. Emotional and community support is available
Caring for a child with a chronic condition can be emotionally draining. It’s important to know that CSHCS works with the Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs.
This center offers emotional support through parent mentors who also have a child or family member with medical special needs and connects you to community resources. It’s a valuable resource whether you’re in the program or not, providing much-needed support for families in Oakland County and throughout Michigan.
“CSHCS helps connect you to resources for other things you might not even know about,” Cresmen explains.
5. Children with Special Needs Fund may be able to help pay for some additional items
This Fund may help pay for van wheelchair lifts, adaptive recreational equipment, ceiling or stair lifts, etc. It also offers camp scholarships for children, and conference scholarships for parents and those with medical special needs 14 years old or older to learn about their health issue. “Having an opportunity to go to camp regardless of having a chronic health condition is great for kids,” Cresmen says. “And, the benefit of going to conferences is you get to meet other families who are going through the things you are going through.”
6. Multilingual support is provided
CSHCS is committed to helping all families and offers support in several languages through interpreter services. This makes it easier for families to understand and access the resources they need, ensuring that language is not a barrier to getting help.
7. The program supports some individuals over 26
Finally, know that while CSHCS primarily serves kids and young adults under 26, it also supports those over 26 with specific chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease and hemophilia. These conditions often require lifelong care, and CSHCS may provide crucial services such as funding for medical care, equipment and support with coordinating healthcare needs beyond the age of 26. This ensures that individuals with these conditions continue to receive necessary support throughout their lives.
If you think your child or someone in your family may qualify for CSHCS, contact the Oakland County Health Division at 248-858-0056 or visit the CSHCS website. They can guide you through the application process and provide detailed information on how the program can help your family. “Families can call the Oakland County Health Division and can get information on how to enroll or become eligible for the program,” Cresmen says.
Taking care of a child or family member with a chronic health condition can be challenging, but with the right support and resources from CSHCS, you can give them the best care possible. Don’t hesitate to reach out and find out how this program can support your family.
Content sponsored by the Oakland County Health Division. Find out more about the Children’s Special Health Care Services at the CSHCS site.
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