Health Care
Applying for Children's Health Coverage
Finding Dental Care
Mental Health Services
Drug and Alcohol Services
Informed Consent for Medical and Mental Health Services
Health Access and Information
Applying for Children's Health Coverage
Children in a relative's care may be eligible for Medicaid to cover medical, dental, and mental health services . (link to below)
To apply, contact your local Community Services Office ( CSO). You will have to fill out an application. You can pick up and application at the CSO or download the Medicaid Application and bring it with you.
Note: Within Reach – Essential Resources for Family Heath offers free information and referral services and can help you find answers to your questions about health insurance and a variety of other questions on nutrition, immunization, child care, child development, children with special needs, and parent/sibling support. Visit their website or call 1-800-322-2588 (TTY 711) Medicaid (federal and state-funded health insurance).
Finding Dental Care
Find health centers that provide medical and dental care for anyone covered by Medicaid. The listings indicate if the clinic accepts Medicaid patients for medical or dental care or both.
If you are having trouble finding dental care and need help, contact Connie Mix-Clark (DSHS & HCA Dental Program Manager) at clarkcl@dshs.wa.gov or 360-725-3455 (Wednesdays) or 360-923-2753 (all other days).
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Mental Health Services
Medicaid – Mental Health Services
Children in a relative's care may be eligible for Medicaid to cover mental health services (as well as medical and dental health insurance).
To apply, contact your local Community Services Office ( CSO). You will have to fill out an application. You can pick up and application at the CSO or download the Medicaid Application and bring it with you.
Find local contact information for organizations that provide mental health services for children receiving Medicaid.
Parents Guide to the Mental Health System .
Note: Information, training and support are available on raising children with emotional, behavioral, or mental disorders. Learn more...
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Drugs and Alcohol Services
Medicaid - Chemical dependency treatment services
Treatment services through the Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse (DASA) can be paid for through Medicaid if eligible. There are also "hardship funds" that can help caregivers with travel and lodging expenses while a youth is in treatment. Treatment services are also available for adults who meet income guidelines.
For more information or to apply for services, contact the Alcohol/Drug 24-hour Help Line at 1-800-562-1240.
Note: Pamphlets, brochures, training, videos is available raising children when substance abuse is an issue with the parent or child. Learn more...
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Informed Consent for Medical and Mental Health Services
Washington State law now allows adults raising a relative's child to consent to medical and mental health care – services even if you don't have legal custody.
For more in-depth information about this law, read A Kinship Caregiver's Guide to Consenting to Health Care (PDF) from Washington Law Help website. A brochure Consent to Health Care for the Child in Your Care (PDF) is also available on the topic. Both documents have a sample declaration form.
Relative caregivers involved with Children's Administration still must have a court order to consent to surgery for a child placed with them through the Division of Children and Family Services.
See the Legal Issues section for more information about finding and getting legal advice.
Health Access and Information
Children receiving medical coverage from the State of Washington are eligible for replacement eye glasses from a provider accepting medical coupons any time they lose, out grow or break a previous pair. There is no limit on how many pairs are replaced and no “prior authorization” is needed. This benefit applies to children at home or in care as long as their medical coverage is provided by the State of Washington. For children with private insurance, please check with the child’s specific insurance plan.
Back to TopModification Date: January 7, 2008. For more ways to get in touch with the Department of Social and Health Services go to the DSHS Contact Information web page. Technical Site Comments: DSHS Webmaster.
