Special Health Care Needs

The Kansas Special Health Care Needs (SHCN) Program promotes the functional skills of persons, who have or arSpecial Health Care Needse at risk for a disability or chronic disease. The program is responsible for the planning, development, and promotion of the parameters and quality of specialty health care in Kansas in accordance with state and federal funding and direction.

SHCN provides specialized medical services to infants, children, and youth up to age 21 who have eligible medical conditions. Additionally, the program provides formula services to individuals of all ages diagnosed with phenylketonuria (PKU) and Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD).

Services may include diagnostic evaluations, treatment services, or care coordination and must be prior authorized. View the service area map.

  1. Submit Regulation Revision Suggestions

Regulation Revision Suggestions Survey

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)'s Bureau of Family Heath (BFH) is home to several regulatory programs. State regulatory programs are designed to protect and preserve the public’s health, safety, and well-being. Agencies are given authority through law to establish regulations that describe how laws are to be implemented. Maintaining an effective regulatory program greatly reduces the risk of harm to the people of Kansas and our resources. 

Receiving feedback on program regulations is critical to the regulatory review process and community participation. The survey allows members of regulated communities and the public to offer feedback on KDHE BFH regulations.  

Thank you for sharing your voice as we move forward together to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Kansas families. Share your feedback today.

Available Services

  1. Diagnostic Services
  2. Holistic Care Coordination Services
  3. Direct Assistance Programs

Diagnostic Services

Diagnostic Services are limited to a one-time evaluation without regard to family income, for Kansas youth under the age of 21 years. Prior authorization is required and may be obtained by phone or letter from program staff. Consultations must be scheduled with SHCN contracted specialty providers. Second opinions are not covered. The application process must be completed if medically eligible before additional services will be authorized.


  1. What Part of the Cost Does SHCN Pay?
  2. Special Bequest Fund
  3. System Navigation Training for Families

What Part of the Cost Does SHCN Pay?

Services must be prior approved before any cost-sharing can be determined. SHCN is the payer after insurance and Medicaid.