CCS was started by the California Legislature in 1927 and used to be called Crippled Children's Services.

Most physically handicapping conditions are eligible for benefits under the CCS program. This tax supported program provides specialized medical care and rehabilitation for children whose families cannot provide all or part of the care.

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CCS Goals
CCS Services
CCS Eligibility
Frequently Asked Questions about CCS

CCS Goals:

To locate California children who may need CCS specialized medical care.

To encourage California families with physically handicapped children to obtain the medical services necessary to bring about the maximum development of their children.

To help these California families obtain medical treatment of the child's condition at the time care will be most effective.

CCS Services:

DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATIONS: Children under 21 years of age suspected of having one of the CCS eligible medical conditions are eligible for free diagnostic services.

TREATMENT SERVICES: Treatment services for the handicapping condition, including:medical and surgical care, pharmaceuticals, physical and occupational therapy, laboratory tests, X-rays, appliances, equipment, and other needed services.

PHYSICAL AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY: Physical and occupational therapy is provided in medical therapy units located in public schools to children with physical handicaps who have a medical need for these treatment services and meet the specific medical eligibility criteria for services. (These services do not require financial eligibility.)

MEDICAL CASE MANAGEMENT: Medical case management is provided by the CCS program. It includes: referrals to medical specialists and centers; follow-up with others involved with the care of the child such as schools, Community Health/school nurses, social workers and other agencies; transferring medical records; locating new facilities and services when families move; and assisting the family to cope with the child's condition.

CCS Eligibility

The CCS program is available to anyone who is:

under 21 years of age; and

is a California resident; and

has a handicapping medical condition that is eligible for care under CCS; and

whose family income is less than $40,000 a year (State adjusted gross income). An individual whose family has a higher income may receive services if the estimated cost of care in one year is expected to exceed 20 percent of income.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How can I find if my child has a CCS medically eligible condition?

Anyone may refer a child to CCS -- Community Health/school nurses, other agencies, or the family itself to determine if the child has an approved CCS medically eligible condition. Most children are referred by the family physician, specialist or hospital. The physician or hospital can supply important medical information necessary in making the CCS medical eligibility determination and may also participate in the child's CCS treatment program.

Where do I apply for the CCS program?

You should apply for the CCS program at your local CCS office in the county where you reside. This office should be contacted for assistance as requests for CCS coverage must be made on or before the day services are rendered, except for emergencies. Your county CCS office can tell you if your child may be eligible for the CCS program. CCS eligibility must be determined before services can be covered by CCS.

How will I know if my child is eligible for CCS program benefits?

The County CCS office or the appropriate State Regional Office will consider your child's medical condition as well as the family's residential and financial status to determine CCS eligibility. This is accomplished by completing the necessary application forms and providing the required documentation. Based on this information and completed paperwork the CCS program will approve or deny your application. If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision.

What if I have private health insurance coverage for my child?
Your child can be eligible for the CCS program even though you have private health insurance coverage. If your child is a CCS applicant/client and has individual or group private health insurance coverage, you must report it to the county CCS office and to the county CCS office and to the child's health care provider. Private health insurance entitlement is used to help reduce CCS program costs.

What if my child is Medi-Cal eligible?

Children who are Medi-Cal eligible and have approved CCS medical condition are usually eligible for CCS case management and other services not covered by Medi-Cal. This assures that all California children with complex, disabling conditions will receive appropriate specialized care.

Will there be any cost to the family of a CCS patient?

Some families may be required to pay an annual assessment fee and/or annual enrollment fee. These fees are used to help cover the cost of treatment, processing applications, telephoning hospitals, physicians and other caregivers, mailing authorizations to these caregivers, and coordinating care with other agencies. All of these services are provided by the CCS program to ensure that clients receive the best care possible from physicians and specialists who provide medical care to children. The annual assessment fee is $20 and the annual enrollment fee is calculated based on family and income size.


Nevada County Public Health Department
Health & Human Services Agency
500 Crown Point Circle, Suite 110
Grass Valley CA 95945
Phone: 530-265-1450 Fax: 530-271-0841