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.
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.
Special Health Care Needs Coverage Map
Contact Us
Vacant
Program Manager
785-296-1295
Isai Sanchez
Eligibility Specialist
785-296-1313
isai.sanchez@ks.gov
Ruby Retana
Lead Care Coordinator
785-296-0206
ruby.retana@ks.gov
Liz Del Real
Care Coordinator
785-296-1312
lizeth.delrealguzman@ks.gov
Alejandra Valdez Garay
Care Coordinator
785-296-1295
alejandra.valdezgaray@ks.gov
Felecia Cunningham
Care Coordinator
785-296-8873
felecia.cunningham@ks.gov
Topeka Administrative Office
1000 SW Jackson St., Suite 220
Topeka, KS 66612
(785) 296-1313
Miami County Health Department
1201 Lakemary Dr.
Paola, KS 66071
(913) 294-2431
Fax: (913) 294-9506
Crawford County Health Department
410 E Atkinson Ave., Suite A
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 231-5411
Fax: (620) 231-1246
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
The Direct Assistance Program (DAP) is a support available through the SHCN program to help meet the individual needs of eligible clients. This program is designed to complement care coordination and address a range of needs identified in partnership with families. Care Coordinators can provide information about the types of assistance available, eligibility criteria, and how DAPs may support a client’s care plan. Clients and families are encouraged to contact the program or speak with their Care Coordinator for more information.
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 reviewed on an individual basis by an eligibility specialist. Children must be residents of Kansas and are eligible for services from birth through age 21. Receipt of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is considered an automatic qualifier for program eligibility. Medical eligibility is required, and a list of qualifying medical conditions can be found below.
•Eligibility 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.
Hear From Families
Explore these videos of parents and caregivers sharing their experiences caring for children and youth with special health care needs. Each video highlights part of a family’s care journey. Through these stories, families can find support, helpful information, and practical insights.
Stacey is a devoted parent, partner and champion whose perspective is shaped by raising two daughters with autism. Through navigating years of missed and delayed diagnoses, she brings a compassionate understanding of how autism can present differently in girls and the importance of early recognition and support.
Drawing from her experience as a parent, Morgan brings a thoughtful leadership perspective shaped by raising her son, born at 25 weeks and living with multiple complex medical needs. Through coordinating care across numerous specialists and health systems, she has developed practical approaches to staying organized and informed; insights she hopes can support other families navigating the complexities of caring for medically complex children.
Nicole is a devoted parent whose engagement and leadership are deeply shaped by her lived experience raising her family. Her journey is informed by her 15-year-old daughter, who loves being outdoors and has Cohen Syndrome, giving Nicole a personal, compassionate perspective on navigating systems of care and supporting children through the pediatric to adult health care transition process.
Laurie is a dedicated parent leader whose perspective is shaped by raising a child with complex medical needs. Through years of navigating chronic illness and frequent medical visits, she has learned to trust her instincts and speak up when something doesn’t feel right. Her experience underscores the vital role caregivers play as members of the care team and the importance of ongoing engagement in seeking answers and improving care.
Mattanah is a committed parent leader who draws on her lived experience raising a daughter with special health care needs who is 18.5 years old. Through navigating care coordination, insurance questions, and complex care planning, she has seen firsthand the value of connecting families with social workers and patient champions to help make navigating systems of care feel more manageable. This has empowered Mattanah to become an Ambassador for Advocacy for her family and community.
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.
