Children's Medical Services (CMS)

The Children’s Medical Services (CMS) program supports families caring for children with special health care needs. CMS works with health care providers and community partners to make sure children and youth with chronic medical conditions have access to timely and quality health care services.

Download the CMS Program Brochure (English and Spanish)

The CMS program:

Supports improved health and wellness for children and youth with special health care needs from birth to 21 years of age
Provides early and continuous screening for children with special health care needs
Connects children and youth to a medical home and adequate health insurance
Help families manage their appointments and follow up treatments with health care providers and vendors
Shares community resources with families
Supports adolescents move from pediatric to adult health care
8,085 Georgia children and youth received services in SFY2018

Is my child eligible for CMS?
ELIGIBILITY for the CMS Program:
- MUST live in Georgia
- MUST be under 21 years of age
- MUST meet Family Income Eligibility
  - Family income must be less than 247% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. These guidelines are updated every year and the local CMS program can assist families with finding out if they meet the financial eligibility.
  - Children who are enrolled in Medicaid or PeachCare, who receive SSI, and who are in foster care are financially eligible for CMS services.
Download annual family income guidelines for the current fiscal year.
- MUST have an Eligible Medical Condition - Chronic medical conditions that are eligible for CMS include, but are not limited to:
  - Asthma, cystic fibrosis and other lung disorders
  - Neurological disorders including seizures, benign tumors, hydrocephalus, and others
  - Orthopedic and/or neuromuscular disorders including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, scoliosis, clubfeet, congenital or traumatic amputations of limbs, and others
  - Some vision and hearing disorders
  - Diabetes and other endocrine and genetic disorders
  - Craniofacial anomalies such as cleft lip/palate
  - Congenital cardiac conditions
Search a Comprehensive List of Conditions.
What services are available in CMS?
Available Services:
- A care coordinator who assists the family with their child’s specific health care needs
- Medical services and/or durable medical equipment not paid for by Medicaid or private insurance
- Access to specialty health care clinics
- Transition planning for adolescents (12 years of age and older) moving from pediatric to adult health care
- Assistance with transportation, translation, health education and adaptive technologies
Why should I enroll in CMS?

Why should I enroll my child in CMS?

CMS Care Coordinators will help you develop a plan for your child that includes goals and desired outcomes. Your Care Coordinator will help you implement the plan, find services and providers, access other funding sources, and coordinate with specialty care providers. CMS can also provide or assist with services, supplies, and other supports that your child’s Medicaid, PeachCare or insurance may not cover.
How are families connected to CMS?
How are families connected to CMS?

For families with children ages birth to 5:
- Submit a referral to the Children 1st program to begin the process of enrolling a child in the CMS program for services.
- Search the Service Locator and contact the Children 1st program that serves the county in which the child and family live for more information.
- Download and return the completed Children 1st Screening and Referral Form to the appropriate local Children 1st program office via fax, mail or email.
For families with children and youth over the age of 5:
- Submit a referral to the CMS program to begin the process of enrolling a child for services.
- Search the Service Locator and contact the CMS program that serves the county in which the child and family live for more information.
- Download and return the completed Children 1st Screening and Referral Form to the appropriate local CMS program office via fax, mail or email.