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Social Services: Genetically Handicapped Persons Program
(GHPP) for patients living in California
What is it?
GHPP is a state funded program which coordinates care and helps pay for
medical costs of persons with specific conditions, including thalassemia
and sickle cell disease. GHPP authorizes clients to attend specialty centers
for expert care. It also authorizes medically necessary services prescribed
or approved by the authorized specialty center, and send copies of these
authorizations to clients, specialty centers and providers. It pays ONLY
for services authorized by GHPP. These authorizations ensure that services
are medically necessary and rendered by appropriate providers who accept
GHPP. Clients are seen at least once a year at the GHPP authorized specialty
center. GHPP covers benefits such as care in and out of the hospital,
dental and medical services, medications and medical transportation and
maintenance for clients in financial need.
Who is eligible?
Anyone who is 21 years of age and older who is a resident of California
and has an eligible condition may apply. Those under 21 may receive care
through the county California Children Services program. Clients must
complete an application and financial eligibility requirements which includes
applying to MEDI-CAL. Some families have to pay an annual enrollment fee
to GHPP. This amount is determined by income tax information, family size,
and a sliding fee scale.
If GHPP does not pay for any services because the client's private health
insurance covers everything, the family is charged only 50% of the annual
enrollment fee. Every year, clients who are not on MEDI-CAL must be financially
reviewed to determine whether MEDI-CAL application is required or whether
an annual enrollment fee will be charged. MEDI-CAL clients confirm MEDI-CAL
coverage and report changes in name or address.
Other insurance coverage
If you have private insure, MEDI-CAL or Medicare, your medical providers
must bill those health plans for payment first. GHPP pays only when a
service is not covered by these plans or if there is a payable balance
due after billing insurance or Medicare.
How do I apply?
You can call or write to GHPP:
State of California Health and Welfare Agency
Department of Health Services
Genetically Handicapped Persons Program
714 P Street Room 300
Sacramento, CA 95814
phone: 1-800-639-0597
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