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Model Application Template for the State Children‟s Health Insurance Program

Effective Date:

Approval Date: 14

Health Centers and twenty Child Health Centers provide statewide services. Adolescent services are provided in 25 locations in the state.

Additionally, there are approximately 486 full-time school health nurses working under the auspices of the Iowa Department of Education and local education agencies in the state who provide a variety of health screening services, care coordination and emergency services.

Income assessments are performed on patients enrolled in IDPH clinics. The income assessments are reviewed for possible Medicaid eligibility. New applications, as well as annual reviews of established patients, are assessed by IDPH intake staff and/or care coordinators for possible referral for medical assistance through Medicaid and/or SSI.

In order to provide additional outreach, The IDPH operates two toll-free telephone lines for use by the general public. The toll-free telephone lines are known as Healthy Families and Teen Line. These are information and referral services for health issues. The Healthy Families line addresses a wide variety of health issues with emphasis on prenatal care. The Teen Line also addresses a variety of issues specifically related to the health of teenagers. Topics covered include drugs, sexual relationships, eating disorders, relationships with parents, and violence. Two integral parts of the information provided to callers, via these telephone lines, are information on Medicaid eligibility and referrals to community based care coordinators who can assist clients with locating local health providers who accept Medicaid-eligible children and Medicaid-eligible pregnant women. The toll-free number for Health Families is 1-800-369-2229. The Teen Line number is 1- 800-443-8336. Both lines are operational 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week.

Child Health Specialty Clinics Each year, approximately 5,500 Iowa children receive services at the Child Health Specialty Clinics (CHSC). The Department of Human Services has an interagency cooperation agreement with the CHSC which serve as a link between major medical centers and the community by assisting families to obtain needed resources. The CHSC serves children from birth to 22 years with or at risk of a chronic health condition or disability, which includes psychosocial, physical, health-related educational, and behavioral needs. The specific health concerns may be simple or complex, short-term or long-term.