Programs
Program Overview
The Kansas Special Health Care Needs (SHCN) Program promotes the functional skills of persons, who have or are at risk for a disability or chronic disease. The program is responsible for the planning, development, and promotion of the parameters and quality of specialty health care in Kansas in accordance with state and federal funding and direction.
SHCN provides specialized medical services to infants, children, and youth up to age 21 who have eligible medical conditions. Additionally, the program provides formula services to individuals of all ages diagnosed with phenylketonuria (PKU) and Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD).
Services may include diagnostic evaluations, treatment services, or care coordination and must be prior authorized. View the service area map.
Mission
Improve the health and well-being of Kansas mothers, infants, children, and youth, including children and youth with special health care needs, and their families.
Vision
A state where all are healthy and thriving.
Contact Us
Karen Perez
Program Manager
785-296-1295
ivette.perez@ks.gov
Adelina Zavala
Program Consultant & Financial Eligibility Specialist
785-296-1313
adelina.gutierrezzavala@ks.gov
Alejandra Valdez Garay
Care Coordinator
785-296-1295
alejandra.valdezgaray@ks.gov
Liz Del Real
Care Coordinator
785-296-1312
lizeth.delrealguzman@ks.gov
Ruby Retana
Care Coordinator
785-296-1328
ruby.retana@ks.gov
Core Supports
Care Coordination
Care Coordination Service is a partnership with clients and their families to assist them in navigating the systems of care to achieve their optimal health. Care Coordinators partner with clients and their families in finding, understanding, and accessing the services and resources on a medical, educational, community, and personal level to make sure they are receiving the services needed. Everyone has individual needs and requires services and supports tailored to meet those needs, so in partnership with clients, we work to identify their individual needs and wants. We develop an Action Plan to help achieve their goals while providing the level of support they would like. Our goal at the KS-SHCN program is to empower clients to feel confident in navigating services and supports while having a consistent person available for assistance, support, and understanding. This program is offered free to any individual and their family who have a special health care need or disability who qualify for the KS-SHCN program. This is a voluntary program and all individuals have the option of opting in or out at any time.
Direct Assistance Program
Direct Assistance Programs (DAPs) are available for eligible clients to choose from to meet their individual needs. Clients can choose up to two DAPs per qualifying year. Care Coordinators explain the different DAPs to clients and will assist them with their selections if needed. There are currently nine DAP options to choose from: View the DAP Overview Chart in English (PDF) and Spanish (PDF).
Diagnostic Support
Diagnostic support is limited to a one-time evaluation without regard to family income, for Kansas youth under the age of 21 years. Prior authorization is required and may be obtained by phone or letter from program staff. Consultations must be scheduled with SHCN contracted specialty providers. Second opinions are not covered. The application process must be completed if medically eligible before additional services will be authorized.
Special Bequest
The Special Bequest funding allows for specific requests of financial support for medical equipment, specialized care, education, or other needed items that can improve health status, function, or quality of life for those with special health care needs who meet SHCN eligibility requirements. Enrollment in the SHCN program is a requirement of Special Bequest funding. All requests are subject to the approval of the Special Bequest Commission.
Eligibility Requirements
Each Special Health Care Needs application is individually reviewed by an eligibility specialist and includes the following:
•Kansas children, up to the age of 21 years, receiving Social Security Income (SSI)
•Kansas children, up to the age of 21 years, who have a genetic or metabolic condition
•See a list of eligible conditions with the Kansas Special Health Care Needs Decision Schema (PDF)
Contact your local office (see map above) or apply directly to the program. Download and print the following applications.
•Special Health Care Needs Application (PDF) (English)
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age does one qualify?
SHCN services are available from birth, up to the age of 21.
What if we do not meet medical criteria but receive SSI?
Yes, SSI recipients are eligible for Care Coordination Services and Special Bequest.
Is there a shared cost for services provided?
All services provided must be pre-approved before any cost-sharing can be determined.
I already have KanCare: do I need SHCN?
SHCN is a gap-filling service that can cover some services and items that KanCare cannot.
Does my child need to be born in Kansas to qualify for services?
It is only required that the child reside in the State of Kansas.
Partnerships
Medically Complex Clinic (MCC)
We are a multidisciplinary team that endeavors to support community-based efforts in managing children with medically complex diagnoses. It is our firm belief that the care of our patients is incomplete without adequate care coordination through effective communication and continual process improvements.
Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation (CPRF)
At the CPRF Wheelchair and Posture Seating Clinic in Wichita Kansas, we design, fabricate, and repair customized wheelchairs for Kansans of all ages with all types of disabilities. Over the last 50 years, CPRF has evolved from a grassroots organization into a recognized leader in our community. We are a Medicaid-approved seating clinic in Kansas, and our wheelchair systems range from simple manual chairs to intricate powerchairs with customized controls and devices.
Cleft Lip Cleft Palate Clinic (CL/CP)
This clinic sees children that have been diagnosed with CL/CP or craniofacial defects. We ensure children are seen by multiple providers (surgeon, orthodontist, speech therapist, etc.) in one visit to save time and travel for families.
