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How does the Children with Special Health Care Needs Program help Washington Families?

Referrals for Services

Client referrals are made by families, schools, medical providers, and others to the Children with Special Health Care Needs Coordinator (82KB) in the county health department where the child lives. When families need help finding resources for their child, their provider may use a Decision Tree (82KB) as a tool to direct them to the appropriate care coordinator.

Nursing evaluations, care coordination, health care planning and family support are examples of services available to families regardless of income.

When funding for medical services is needed, clients will be referred to the Health and Recovery Services Administration in the Department of Social and Health Services to determine eligibility for Medicaid.

Services found to be medically necessary by the local Children and Special Health Care Needs Coordinator and not covered by any other sources may be eligible for funding through the Children with Special Health Care Needs Program when funding is available and the family income is within certain limits.

Answers for Special Kids (ASK) Line. The Children with Special Health Care Needs Program supports the ASK Line, a toll- free information service (1-800-322-2588 or 1-800-883-6388/TTY), which is a part of the Family Health Hotline at WithinReach.
ASK Line Information and Referral Specialists provide local and state resource information on health care coverage, specialty services, recreational opportunities and more to families of children with special health care needs in Washington State.

Unless otherwise noted, all materials and forms on this page are in PDF format.

Links to external resources are provided as a public service and do not imply endorsement by the Washington State Department of Health.

To request documents on the Children with Special Health Care Needs Web site in alternative format, contact cshcn.support@doh.wa.gov or 360-236-3571