Directory of Services for Individuals with Spina Bifida

GLOSSARY OF TERMS
CHIP/ Children’s Health Insurance Program - A federal law passed in 1997 to use state and federal dollars to
provide health insurance for uninsured children. Also known as Title XXI and SCHIP. States create their own
CHIP plans and send them to the federal government for approval.
EPSDT/ Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment - Mandatory Medicaid health benefits and
services for Medicaid eligible children and adolescents. Designed to ensure children’s access to early and
comprehensive preventive care and treatment. The state Medicaid agency is required to pay for and make
sure that providers deliver EPSDT services.
ICC/ Interagency Coordinating Council - In the federal government and in the states, this group plans and
oversees Part C of IDEA (see below). Its members represent many different agencies and must include a
significant number of parents.
IDEA/ Individuals with Disabilities Act - The federal special education law that describes and protects
students with disabilities.
Medicaid - The federal law that uses state and federal funds to provide health insurance for people who
meet certain eligibility standards.
MCH/ Maternal and Child Health - A state program that oversees and plans health care and other services
to infants, women, and children.
Managed Care - A way to finance and deliver health care for a set fee using a defined network of services
and providers. The organizations that deliver managed care are known as MCOs (Managed Care
Organizations), HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) or PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations).
Medicaid Waiver - Some Medicaid rules regarding income and other standards can be “waived” or
dismissed in order to provide Medicaid coverage to certain groups of individuals, including children.
Part C - Was once call Part H, and refers to the early childhood part of IDEA, the federal special education
law.
SSI/ Supplimental Security Income - The Social Security Administration provides monthly cash benefits to
certain individuals who qualify. The Children’s SSI program requires that children pass strict disability and
income standards.
Title V/ CSHCN Program - The state agency responsible for children with special health care needs. The
program is part of the MCH agency.
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