The Complex Medical Help (CMH) service is an Ohio Department of Health program supported by local public health departments. It links families of children with special healthcare needs to a network of quality providers, while also helping families obtain payment for the services their children need. CMH promotes early identification of children with handicapping conditions and directs caregivers to appropriate healthcare providers.

CMH’s Mission

To ensure — through the development and support of high quality, coordinated systems — that children with special healthcare needs and their families obtain comprehensive care and services that are family-centered, community-based, and culturally sensitive.

How Can CMH Help My Child?

CMH has three programs to help children with special healthcare needs:

Diagnostic Program — Rules out or diagnoses a special healthcare need or establishes a treatment plan

Treatment Program — Helps with the treatment of an eligible condition when the patient meets medical and financial eligibility requirements

Service Coordination Program — Helps families locate and coordinate services for their children at CMH-approved hospitals

Transition to Adulthood

The transition into adulthood is stressful, especially for families with children who have special healthcare needs. Early planning is key. By the time a child is 14 years old, families should begin to plan for them to no longer be eligible for CMH services as adults. Currently, the CMH Service Coordination Program and the Diagnostic Program expire the day before the patient’s 21st birthday. The CMH Treatment Program expires the day before their 26th birthday. Planning tools and resources are available on the Ohio Department of Health’s website.

Learn More

For more information about CMH, call (513) 735-8400.