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
• Or 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 in the PKU program is not restricted by age or insurance status, though services are 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 call the Idaho CareLine, dial 2-1-1. 

Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting — Home visiting is a service provided within the home to parents, prenatally and/or with young children to support positive parenting, nurturing homes, and child development. Voluntary home-based programs, also called home visiting programs, match parents with trained professionals to provide information and support during pregnancy and through the child’s first years (up to five) of life. Home visitors help parents learn how to care for their children, understand their child’s development, and care for themselves as they develop as a family.

Idaho Infant Toddler Program — Coordinates early intervention services for children up to three years old. The most frequently provided services include Speech/Language Therapy, Physical Therapy, Developmental Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Respite Care. The program partners with other agencies, private contract providers and families to plan comprehensive and effective services to enhance each child's developmental potential.

The Katie Beckett Program — Children with long-term disabilities or complex medical needs, living at home with their families, may be eligible for Medicaid services even if their family income is above Medicaid federal poverty guidelines. Contact the Idaho CareLine by calling 2-1-1, or toll-free (800) 926-2588.