California Children's Services

California Children's Services (CCS) is a state program for children with certain diseases or health problems. Through this program, children can get the healthcare and services they need. CCS will connect you with doctors and trained health care people who know how to care for your child with special health care needs.

Qualifying for CCS

Children quality for the program if they:

  • Are under 21 years old
  • Have a medical condition that is covered by CCS
  • Are a resident of California
  • And have one of the following:
    • Healthy Families Insurance
    • Medi-Cal beneficiary with full benefits
    • Family income of $40,000 or less
    • Out-of-pocket medical expenses expected to be more than 20 percent of family’s adjusted gross income
    • Was adopted with a known health problem that is covered by CCS
    • Medical Therapy Program need

Applying for CCS

  1. Complete the English CCS Application (PDF) or Spanish CCS Application (PDF) and return it to your county CCS office
  2. Give CCS all of the information requested so CCS can determine if your family qualifies
  3. Apply to Medi-Cal if CCS asks you to

Benefits Covered

If your child has a special health problem that is covered by CCS, then CCS may pay for or help with:

  • Doctor visits and care
  • Hospital stays
  • Surgery
  • Physical and occupational therapy
  • Tests
  • X-rays
  • Medical equipment and supplies
  • Medical case management to help get special doctors and to refer you to other agencies, such as public health nursing and regional centers
  • Medical Therapy Program, which provides physical therapy and/or occupational therapy in public school

More Information

Contact your county CCS office for more information or help in filling out the application