CCS Medical can refer to two different things: a state-funded healthcare program in California called California Children’s Services, or a national medical supply company called CCS Medical. Both are commonly searched, and which one you’re looking for depends on your situation. Here’s what you need to know about each.
California Children’s Services (CCS)
California Children’s Services is a state program that provides diagnostic services, treatment, medical case management, and physical and occupational therapy to children under age 21 who have qualifying medical conditions. The program’s core purpose is to cover necessary medical services for children whose families cannot pay for care in full or in part.
CCS covers a specific list of serious or chronic conditions rather than general pediatric care. Eligible conditions typically include things like cancer, heart disease, cerebral palsy, hemophilia, cystic fibrosis, and other complex diagnoses that require specialized treatment. If a child’s condition qualifies medically and the family meets financial guidelines, CCS can step in to cover the cost of specialty care that might otherwise be out of reach.
How to Apply
Families apply through their local county CCS office. The process involves completing a CCS application (available in English and Spanish) and submitting it to the county office along with any requested documentation. CCS may also ask families to apply for Medi-Cal as part of the process, since the two programs often work together to coordinate coverage. Referrals can come from a doctor, a hospital, a school, or a parent can apply directly.
How CCS Connects to Medi-Cal
Many children enrolled in CCS are also enrolled in Medi-Cal, California’s public insurance program. In some counties, CCS services have been integrated into Medi-Cal managed care plans through what’s called the Whole Child Model, which aims to simplify things so families deal with one plan instead of two. For children on Medi-Cal, CCS-eligible services are coordinated through their managed care plan, while in other counties the CCS program still operates more independently.
A policy change that took effect in January 2026 is worth noting for some families: new Medi-Cal enrollments were frozen for undocumented adults ages 19 and older. This could affect CCS members ages 19 and 20 who are enrolled in Medi-Cal with an unsatisfactory immigration status, since CCS covers individuals up to age 21.
CCS Medical: The Supply Company
CCS Medical is a separate entity entirely. It’s a national medical supply company that ships products directly to patients’ homes. The company focuses on chronic conditions that require ongoing supplies, particularly diabetes, ostomy care, urology, and wound care.
For ostomy patients, CCS Medical provides skin barriers, pouches (both drainable and closed), irrigation products, accessories, and pediatric supplies. For people managing diabetes, they supply items like continuous glucose monitors, insulin pump supplies, and testing materials. The company works across multiple product categories, essentially serving as a one-stop source for the kinds of supplies people with chronic conditions need to reorder regularly.
How Orders and Prescriptions Work
CCS Medical handles much of the paperwork burden for patients. When you need supplies, the company contacts your physician directly and processes the necessary documentation. For prescription-only products, like insulin pump devices, CCS Medical requires a valid prescription before dispensing. One important detail: prescriptions must come directly from the prescriber’s office through electronic, phone, or fax transmission. Patients cannot submit their own prescriptions through these channels, as the company will not accept them as valid.
The company also operates a pharmacy division, which coordinates refills and works with insurance to manage coverage. For patients who rely on regular shipments of the same supplies, this model removes the hassle of repeated pharmacy visits or calling in refills manually.
Which CCS Are You Looking For?
If you’re a parent in California whose child has a serious medical condition and you need help covering specialty care, you’re looking at the California Children’s Services program. Start by contacting your county CCS office or visiting the California Department of Health Care Services website.
If you need diabetes supplies, ostomy products, or other chronic care materials shipped to your home, you’re looking at CCS Medical the supply company, which operates nationally and works with most insurance plans. Their website at ccsmed.com is the starting point for setting up an account and placing orders.