Children's Special Health Care Services

CSHCS is a state of Michigan program that serves children, and some adults, with special health care needs. CSHCS covers more than 2,700 medical diagnoses. To learn more about CSHCS benefits, call Aetna Better Health Member Services Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1-866-316-3784, TTY 711. When prompted say, “more options” then “CSHCS program member” to speak to a CSHCS representative. Here are additional Benefits for Medicaid Health Plan Enrollees with Children’s Special Health Care Services:

Help from your local health department with:

  • Community resources - schools, community mental health, financial support, childcare, Early On, and the Woman Infants and Children (WIC) program
  • Transitioning to adulthood
  • Orthodontia
    • Only for specific CSHCS qualifying diagnosis, such as Cleft Palate/Cleft Lip
    • Medically necessary, related to condition
    • Not for cosmetic purposes
  • Respite
    • CSHCS covers 180 hours of respite care annually when a beneficiary requires skilled nursing and a CSHCS nurse consultant determines appropriate

Help from the Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs

  • CSHCS Family Phone Line – a toll-free phone number 1-800-359-3722 available Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm
  • Parent-to-parent support network
  • Parent/Professional training programs
  • Financial help to go to conferences about CSHCS medical conditions and “Relatively Speaking,” a conference for siblings of children with special needs


Help from the Children's Special Needs (CSN) Fund

The CSN Fund helps CSHCS families get items not covered by Medicaid or CSHCS. To see if you qualify for help from the CSN Fund, call 1-517-241-7420. Examples include:

  • Wheelchair ramps
  • Van lifts and tie downs
  • Therapeutic tricycles
  • Air conditioners
  • Adaptive recreational equipment
  • Electrical service upgrades for eligible equipment