Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps (BCMH)
What is BCMH? It is a program sponsored by the Ohio Dept. of Health. This program assists Licking County families with children who have special needs. Diagnostic services are available to any child until age 21. If a child is determined to have a qualifying disability, and the parents meet income guidelines, then a treatment program is initiated.
The child's physician, or a public health nurse can make referrals to the BCMH program. These professionals may then refer the child to a BCMH participating specialist for treatment.
BCMH is a tax-supported program of the Ohio Department of Health that helps children with special health care needs and their families. The program assists families in obtaining services to diagnose a potential handicapping condition (The Diagnostic Program) and assists with ongoing services for children with an eligible medical handicap (The Treatment Program).
BCMH requires that third party resources such as Medicaid or health insurance pay first. The bureau supplements insurance when families have inadequate coverage, such as exclusions for pre-existing conditions or large deductibles.
Eligibility
For both the diagnostic and treatment programs, children must be under the age of 21, live in Ohio, be a permanent U.S. resident, and be under the care of a BCMH-approved physician. The Diagnostic Program assists families in obtaining an evaluation of a potentially handicapping condition regardless of the family’s income. The Treatment Program is for children who have been diagnosed as having an eligible medically handicapping condition. Families must meet financial eligibility guidelines.
Some examples of eligible conditions are:
- Chronic Pulmonary Disease
- Diabetes
- Juvenile Arthritis
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Cancer
- Cleft Lip/Palate
- Cerebral Palsy
- Hemophilia
- Spina Bifida
- Hearing Loss
- Heart Defects
- Seizure disorders
Examples of BCMH assisted services
- Office visits to physicians
- X-ray and lab
- Physical therapy
- Prescription Medicines
- Dental Care
- Surgery
- Hearing Aids
- Medical Supplies
- Hospitalization
Public Health Nursing Services
- Home visits
- Service coordination
- Health assessment and education
- Developmental screening
- Advocacy and referral to appropriate health care providers
Medical Nutrition Services
- Assessment & nutrition counseling
- Special formula assistance
- Follow-up and monitoring
- Referrals to appropriate services
To Apply
Families or agencies may apply to BCMH by contacting a public health nurse at (740) 349-6535, the child’s physician or the BCMH office at the Ohio Department of Health. Parents may call toll free to 1-800 755-GROW (4769). Click here for more information about BCMH from the Ohio Department of Health.
Eligible conditions include Diabetes, Cerebral Palsy, Hearing loss, AIDS, Cancer, Juvenile Arthritis, Spina Bifida, Epilepsy, Vision problems, and others.
Call for more information.