What is OCSHCN? 

OCSHCN is the Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs, part of the Arizona Department of Health Services. OCSHCN is focused on developing a system for change. Traditionally, services for children  and youth who have special health care needs (C/YSHCN) had focused on their medical needs. Now, as a result of technological advances C/YSHCN are living longer, healthier lives. Thus, it becomes necessary to view services in a more holistic manner so that the C/YSHCN can achieve their full potential as members of the community.  OCSHCN and its partners work to improve in the following areas:

• The way services are delivered

• The way services are funded, and

• The way program and policy decisions are made. 

Does OCSHCN provide services?

OCSHCN facilitates services through contracts with providers throughout Arizona.  Programs include:

• Children's Rehabilitative Services

• Community Health Nursing

• Service Coordination

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)   

• Arizona's Early Intervention Program (AzIEP)

• Sickle Cell Information

What does "special health care needs" mean?   

Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN)
The Maternal and Child Health Bureau defines CYSHCN as those who have or are at risk for chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions who require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children and youth generally. Arizona uses this federal definition also.

Children with special health care needs may require:

• prolonged or periodic inpatient or outpatient hospitalizations that are longer than the average stay or with greater frequency than the general population, 

• adaptations for daily living due to health related functional limitations, and / or 

• a special level of expertise for treatment and/or services from multiple disciplines.

There are various agencies, programs and services which may assist families who have children with special health care needs. These are listed in the OCSHCN Resources for Children who have Special Health Care Needs.  In general, the array of services available in Arizona may be different than where you are currently living. It's advisable to check with the various programs to determine potential eligibility prior to moving, to avoid delays in services.

What is AHCCCS, and what does it have to do with my child who has special health care need? 

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is Arizona's Medicaid program and the State of Arizona's health care program for persons who do not qualify for Medicaid.  AHCCCS contracts with health plans and other program contractors, paying them a monthly “capitation” amount prospectively for each enrolled member. The plan or contractor is then “at risk” to deliver the necessary services within the capitated amount. AHCCCS receives federal, state and county funds to operate, plus some monies from Arizona’s tobacco tax. Contact AHCCCS at 602-417-4000.

Eligibility is not performed under one roof, but by various agencies, depending on the category. For example, most Arizona residents generally enter AHCCCS by way of the Department of Economic Security.  The blind, aged or disabled who receive Supplemental Security Income enter through the Social Security Administration. And eligibility for categories such as KidsCare, long term care and Medicare Cost Sharing programs is handled by AHCCCS itself. AHCCCS Members and Applicants now required you to provide additional documentation of U.S. citizenship and identity.
 

Where can I get more information on Arizona services?

Probably the best places to start your search for information on services in Arizona for children or youth with special health care needs are the ones listed below.

Children's Information Center Hotline:  1-800-232-1676

Raising Special Kids (Metro Phoenix and Northern Arizona

Pilot Parents of Southern Arizona  (Tucson and Southern Arizona)

more links