Author: Heidi Austin
Established in 1998, the help line has facilitated many successful connections.
June 15, 2018 – Did you know the Department of Health and Human Services offers a toll-free help line for parents of and professionals who work with Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN)?
These children have or are at risk for chronic physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional conditions, and require health and other specialized services.
The help line provides information about potential benefits, services and resources these children may be eligible for.
Established in 1998, the help line has facilitated many successful connections and fielded 322 calls during the 2016-17 fiscal year. Recently, a professional working with a family called the help line to get assistance for a child that needed Emergency Medicaid for Institutional Care and was connected to DHHS Medicaid staff.
As a result, the child obtained Medicaid to access treatment in a psychiatric residential facility, affording the child the opportunity to achieve wellness and eventually return to his community and family.
To reach the help line, call 1-800-737-3028 or email CYSHCN.Helpline@dhhs.nc.gov. Calls are answered during normal business hours. Those received on nights and weekends are returned within one business day.