What is the Medically Handicapped Children’s Program (MHCP)?

A program that provides specialized medical services for families with children with disabilities or ongoing health care needs. Services may include services coordination/case management, specialty medical team evaluations, access to specialty physicians, and payment of treatment services.

Who may need this program?

Families with children who have a disability or chronic health problem that may need:

• Help identifying services for their child
• Access to diagnostic and treatment services
• Financial assistance with the high cost of medical care
• Assistance with accessing additional community resources

What services may be available through the Medically Handicapped Children’s Program?

Some of the funded services include:

• Diagnostic and Consultative Services: These services may include assistance with locating offices of participating specialists, hospitals, or specialty clinics.
• Treatment Services: Eligible persons may receive financial assistance for prior-approved specialized medical treatment from MHCP medical specialists.

Who may be eligible for this program?

• Families with children who:
• Live in Nebraska
• Are under 21 years of age
• Have a qualifying disability or ongoing medical condition (see list of examples)
• Meet the financial eligibility*

*See Frequently Asked Questions for details

More questions and answers about Medically Handicapped Children’s Program

Contact someone who can answer your questions about Medically Handicapped Children’s Program or apply for this program, by calling your nearest MHCP office:

Western Nebraska--Gering (800) 477-6393
Central Nebraska--Grand Island (800) 892-7922
Southeast Nebraska--Lincoln (877) 213-4754
Northern Nebraska--Norfolk (888) 704-0180
Southwest Nebraska--North Platte (800) 778-1600
Omaha area-- (402) 595-2120

FAQs

How do I apply for MHCP?

• You can complete an application by phone, letter, or personal interview. You can get an application from your local MHCP Office below.

Western Nebraska--Gering (800) 477-6393
Central Nebraska--Grand Island (800) 892-7922
Southeast Nebraska--Lincoln (877) 213-4754
Northern Nebraska--Norfolk (888) 704-0180
Southwest Nebraska--North Platte (800) 778-1600
Omaha area-- (402) 595-2120

• When a MHCP worker receives a referral, the worker will contact the family to discuss medical and financial eligibility requirements.

I know a child that may need MHCP. Can I refer him/her?

Anyone can refer a child to MHCP by phone, personal interview, or letter to any office of DHHS.

What services may be available through MHCP?

• Services to identify your child’s medical condition
• Limited payment for treatment services by contracted medical specialists
• Referrals to other available community resources

What medical services can be covered through MHCP?

• Specialty clinics that provide diagnosis and consultation
• Approved treatment related to the condition that made the child eligible for this program

What services are not covered through MHCP?

• Well-child visits or routine health care
• Basic medical conditions such as colds, rashes, etc.

What are MHCP-sponsored specialty clinics for children?

Clinics are medical appointments with specialty physicians (such as neurologists), nutritionists, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, dentists, speech and hearing pathologists, and MHCP workers with the families. The clinic team membership will vary depending upon the particular medical needs of the child being seen. The clinic teams provide diagnosis of the medical concerns and problems, and provide a written treatment plan.

What financial items are reviewed?

The possible cost of the specialized care, family income, and other medical coverage or funding available to the family to pay for the specialized medical care.

Are there financial eligibility requirements for the initial consultation?

No, but if a child has private insurance then it would be the first payer for the service.

How does MHCP verify medical need?

Medical records from any current doctor are reviewed by a doctor and nurse at the state office to see that the condition or treatment is eligible under the program. A child may be scheduled to attend a MHCP sponsored clinic or referred directly to a participating specialist for an evaluation.

Can children in MHCP still be served after their 21st birthday?

Yes, there is a program called the Genetically Handicapped Persons’ Program that serves adults 21 and over with cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and sickle cell disease.
See: Services for Adults with Cystic Fibrosis, Hemophilia, or Sickle Cell Disease

Where can I read the DHHS regulations for Medically Handicapped Children’s Program?

Title 467 - (Title V Services for Medically Handicapped Children, Genetically Handicapped Persons' Program, and Supplemental Security Income Disabled Children's Program)