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Special Health Care Needs manages multiple programs for Missourians with special health care needs.

Children and Youth With Special Health Care Needs provides assistance statewide for children and youth with special health care needs from birth to age 21. The program focuses on early identification and service coordination for children and youth who meet medical eligibility guidelines. As payer of last resort, the program provides limited funding for medically necessary diagnostic and treatment services for children whose families also meet financial eligibility guidelines. Children with special health care needs are those who have, or are at increased risk for a disease, defect or medical condition that may hinder their normal physical growth and development. These children require health and related services that go beyond those required by children in general. Those in Cape Girardeau, Scott, Stoddard and Bollinger Counties apply through the Butler County Health Department, 573-785-1013. Perry County residents apply through the Madison County Health Department, 573-783-2747.

Adult Brain Injury Program is for those ages 21-65 who are living with a traumatic brain injury. The program works to enable each person to obtain goals of independent living, community participation and employment. Participants who meet financial eligibility requirements may also receive services including counseling, vocational training, employment supports and home- and community-based support training. Contact the Madison County Health Department at 573-944-2351.

The Adult Waiver Program is for those ages 21 to 65 who are living with a traumatic brain injury. Individuals must require medical care equivalent to the level of care received in a nursing home, not be enrolled in another waiver, and have been diagnosed with a TBI.

Healthy Children and Youth Program provides service coordination and authorization for medially necessary services for MO HealthNet recipients with special health care need from birth to age 21. Services may include in-home personal care, in-home nursing care and skilled-nursing visits. Contact the Cape Girardeau office at 573-290-5830.

Visit the State of Missouri website for more information, https://health.mo.gov/living/families/shcn/