The Idaho Children's Special Health Program (CSHP) provides consultation, information, technical assistance and referral services for the families of children who have chronic illnesses and disabilities. CSHP works with families, providers and communities to help establish and maintain a system of information, provide referral and follow-up services.
CSHP also promotes parent-to-parent support networks to ensure that all families have access to support services and health benefits counseling, and attempts to build systems of care in collaboration with other child/family efforts to link community-based health, social services and education agencies.
Additionally, CSHP provides medical and rehabilitative care coordination, from birth to eighteen years of age, to residents of Idaho who are uninsured. The program covers eight major diagnostic categories:
- Cardiac
- Craniofacial
- Neurologic
- Phenylketonuria (PKU)*
- Plastic/Burn
- Cleft Lip/Palate
- Cystic Fibrosis*
- Orthopedic
- Any combination of these categories
Children with qualifying medical conditions are most often referred to CSHP by hospitals and pediatricians or family physicians. The family must also be determined to have "no creditable insurance" to qualify for enrollment in CSHP. After an insurance determination has been made, the family will be contacted by CSHP's Care Coordinator to explain program enrollment or to be referred to other providers/programs.
* Enrollment into the Cystic Fibrosis and PKU programs are not restricted by age or insurance status, though services may be limited for adults over 18 years of age.
Where can I get more information?
In the Treasure Valley, call 334-4993; in Idaho, call toll free 1-877-887-3075, or the Idaho CareLine, dial 2-1-1.
The 2005 Maternal and Child Health 5-Year Needs Assessment can be viewed here.