The Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program is a joint federal/state and local program which has been in operation in Maryland since 1937. The Talbot County Health Department’s CYSHCN Program provides a range of services designed to address needs that are otherwise unmet. The program is staffed by a full time Registered Nurse.

Who is eligible?

Currently, anyone from birth through their 21st year with a disability, chronic illness or health related, educational or behavioral problem is eligible.

What services are available?

• • Case management and resource/care coordination. Provides assistance to families navigating the special needs and health care systems. The CYSHCN Program nurse provides phone and in person consultation, assessment and visiting, including Home Visits. Assistance covers many issues-medical, social, financial, educational, developmental or behavioral. The length of time the support and coordination are provided is determined by the individual’s needs
  • Assistance in obtaining gray area or gap filling services to address needs or services that are not covered by insurance or have costly copayments.
  • Provides assistance in locating and accessing specialty services and transportation.
  • Support and liaison services for special education concerns. This includes assisting families to learn about the Special Education process, acting as a resource and accompanying parents to IEP meetings and/or school conferences as requested.
  • Assistance with applications and follow up for funding from Children’s Medical Services (CMS). This program is part of the Maryland Department of Health and provides funding for the uninsured and underinsured if certain medical and financial eligibility criteria are met.

How do I begin to access services?

Contact the Talbot County Health Department at 410-819-5600.

Updated 08/2023