2908 Children’s Medical Services

Georgia State Seal

Georgia Division of Family and Children Services
Medicaid Policy Manual

Policy Title:

Children’s Medical Services

Effective Date:

June 2020

Chapter:

2900

Policy Number:

2908

Previous Policy Number(s):

MT 39

Updated or Reviewed in MT:

MT-60

Requirements

Children’s Medical Services (CMS) provides care coordination and other needed medical/health services for children with chronic medical conditions from birth to 21 years of age.

Basic Considerations

Who is eligible?

Children from birth to 21 years of age that reside in Georgia and meet both a medical and financial criterion are eligible for services. The range of medically eligible conditions include but is not limited to the following:

  • Asthma, cystic fibrosis and other lung disorders

  • Neurological disorders including seizures, benign tumors, hydrocephalus, and others

  • Orthopedic and/or neuromuscular disorders including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, scoliosis, clubfeet, congenital or traumatic amputations of limbs, and others

  • Some vision and hearing disorders

  • Diabetes and other endocrine and genetic disorders

  • Craniofacial anomalies such as cleft lip/palate

  • Congenital cardiac conditions

Click and search here for a Comprehensive List of Conditions.

One of the four following supports financial eligibility criteria:

  • Family income 247% of the FPL or less

  • Medicaid enrolled (including Katie Beckett/Deeming Waiver)

  • Receiving SSI

  • Child is in foster care What services are provided?

Children with special health care needs require multiple services from several health providers. An assigned care coordinator works closely with primary care providers, specialists and community partners to coordinate services and provide access to specialty health care. CMS may provide, arrange and/or pay for the following, as funds are available, and as it relates to the eligible medical condition: comprehensive physical evaluations, genetic counseling, diagnostic testing, inpatient/outpatient hospitalization, medications, durable medical equipment and transportation. Services such as health care transition planning, translation and health education are also provided for enrolled families. CMS enrollees also have access to specialty health care clinics in select areas.

Procedures

To initiate a referral contact the county in which the child resides by clicking here Local CMS Office.

To obtain more information on our policies or connect for training opportunities visit the main website at dph.georgia.gov/CMS or contact the state office by phone at (404) 657-2850 or email childrens.medical@dph.ga.gov.

To receive more information about referrals or community resources for families caring for a child with special health care needs please contact the statewide toll free number at 1-800-229-2038.