Finances are often a worry for families of children with special health care or developmental needs.  In California there are agencies that assist families with funding for medical services and others which can provide help with other financial concerns.

Speak with your hospital social worker, patient representative or your doctor about applying for any of the programs that may be appropriate for your family.  You can also speak with your Alta service coordinator or call WarmLine for more information.

California Children Services (CCS)
CCS is a statewide program for specialized medical care and rehabilitation for children who have a medically eligible diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is established, families must meet income guidelines to qualify for assistance; however, occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) are not income dependent. CCS funding is also available to families who have some types of insurance and Medi-Cal. Your doctor or hospital may already have referred your baby to CCS. If not, you may call the telephone number(s) listed below for more information.

Alpine County:  (530) 694-2146

El Dorado County:  (530) 621-6128

    South Lake Tahoe:  (530) 573-3157

Nevada County:  (530) 265-1462

Placer County:  (530) 886-3630

Sacramento County:  (916) 875-9900

Yolo County:  (530) 666-8333

Child Health and Disability Program (CHDP)

CHDP provides complete health and dental assessments for early detection and prevention of diseases and disabilities in children and youth (including school entry exams, sports physicals and immunizations).  CHDP serves Medi-Cal eligible children birth through 20 years and low income children whose families are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level from birth through 18 years.

Alpine County:  (530) 694-2145

El Dorado County:  (530) 621-6110

    South Lake Tahoe:  (530) 573-6165

Nevada County:  (530) 265-1462

Placer County:  (530) 886-3620

Sacramento County:  (916) 875-7151

Yolo County:  (530) 666-8249

Child Support Services

Counties have departments specifically to help collect support that has not been paid.  Call "Child Support Services" for more information.

Alpine County:  (530) 694-2235

El Dorado County:  (530) 621-5600

    South Lake Tahoe:  (530) 573-3455

Nevada County:  (530) 901-3212

Placer County:  (530) 886-3630

Sacramento County:  (916) 875-7400

Yolo County:  (530) 901-3212

Family Leave

Both the State of California and the federal government offer programs that allow a parent to take up to six weeks of (paid or unpaid) time off work to care for a family member who has a serious medical condition.  Eash has different requirements, so it is advisable to investigate both programs.

California Employment Development Department:

     (877) BETHERE  or  www.edd.ca.gov/Disability/Paid_Family_Leave.htm

US Department of Labor

      (866) 487-9243    or  www.dol.gov/dol/topic/benefits-leave/fmla.htm

Labor Project for Working Families     www.paidfamilyleave.org

Healthy Families

Healthy Families provides health and dental care for low-income children under the age of 19 whose families have incomes above the eligibility for Medi-Cal.  The program does have an immigration status requirement.  Children who are enrolled in Medi-Cal or have employer-sponsored coverage do not qualify.

Call (800) 880-5305 or download an application at www.healthyfamilies.org

In-Home Support Services (IHSS)
Children who have extraordinary care requirements at home may be eligible for IHSS. This is funding given to your family to supplement your income if you are caring for your baby full-time and it may be used to hire a part-time caregiver.

Alpine County:  (530) 694-2235

El Dorado County:  (530) 642-4800

    South Lake Tahoe:  (530) 573-3207

Nevada County:  (530) 265-1340

Placer County:  (530) 886-5401

Sacramento County:  (916) 874-9471

Yolo County:  (530) 661-2676

Medi-Cal
If your family's income is within certain guidelines, you may be eligible for Medi-Cal. This provides financial assistance for regular check-ups and special medical care. You may be eligible for both Medi-Cal and CCS. Your hospital or CCS representative can give you more information.

Alpine County:  (530) 694-2235

El Dorado County:  (530) 642-7300

    South Lake Tahoe:  (530) 573-3200

Nevada County:  (530) 265-1340

     Truckee:  (530) 582-7803

Placer County: 

      Auburn:  (530) 889-7610

       Roseville:   (916) 784-6000

Sacramento County:  (916) 874-2072

Yolo County:  (530) 661-2750

Parking Placard

A person can qualify for a parking placard if certain medical and/or mobility conditions exist.  Your baby, who requires extra equipment such as oxygen may qualify for a parking ("disabled") placard.

To apply for the Disabled Placard or License Plate:

• Download the "Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates" from www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/reg/reg195.pdf
• Have doctor sign the disability certification
• Mail the completed application to the addresss indicated on the form.  For a temporary placard, include a $6 fee.
• Or, make an appointment at a local DMV office to deliver the application in person

Alpine County:  (209) 754-4052

South Lake Tahoe:  (209) 541-3272

All Other Counties: (800) 777-0133

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
If your baby has a disability that will last more than one year, he or she may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If your baby is found eligible you may receive financial support. The amount is dependent upon family income. Your baby will also receive Medi-Cal under SSI.

Social Security Administration: (800) 772-1213 or www.ssa.gov

Transitional Aid to Needy Families (TANF)
TANF may provide eligible applicants with financial assistance (food stamps, etc.). Income must fall within established guidelines based on family size.

Alpine County:  (530) 694-2235

El Dorado County:  (530) 642-7300

    South Lake Tahoe:  (530) 573-3200

Nevada County:  (530) 265-1340

     Truckee:  (530) 582-7803

Placer County: 

      Auburn:  (530) 889-7610

Sacramento County:  (916) 874-2072 / (916) 874-2256

Yolo County: 

       West Sacramento:  (916) 375-6200

       Woodland  (530) 661-2750

Utilities

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has a Medical Baseline Program which can provide additional quantities of energy at the lowest (baseline) price to residential customers with certain medical conditions.

Customers dependent on life-support equipment and those with special heating or cooling needs may be eligible to receive a standard medical baseline rate.

For more information or to print an application to: www.pge.com/myhome/customer service/financialassistance/medicalbaseline/   or call (800) 743-5000

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) also has a medical equipment discount rate. 

For more information or to print the application, so to www.smud.org/residential/services/medical-rate.html  or call (888) 742-SMUD (7683)


All of the funding sources listed previously may help with medical care after a child goes home from the hospital, although some funding may be limited to specific services. It will be helpful to discuss your baby's medical needs at home as soon as a clear plan is developed, even while your baby is still hospitalized. While discussing medical follow-up or equipment needs, please speak with your doctor, social worker, nurse or discharge coordinator about financial coverage.