Special Medical Services - Concord, NH

Special Medical Services (SMS)

Special Medical Services (SMS) is a vital program administered by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Located at 97 Pleasant Street within the state office complex in Concord, New Hampshire, SMS manages the federal Title V Program for Children with Special Health Care Needs. The agency is dedicated to supporting children and youth (from birth to age 21) who have, or are at risk for, chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions. SMS works to ensuring these families have access to comprehensive medical and support services.

Core Programs and Assistance

• Care Coordination: SMS provides community-based care coordinators who help families navigate the complex healthcare system, finding medical specialists, educational resources, and social support.
• Child Development Clinics: A statewide network offering diagnostic evaluations for young children (birth to age 6) suspected of having developmental delays.
• Nutrition, Feeding and Swallowing: Specialized consultation for children with feeding difficulties, including safe eating plans and coordination of swallow studies.
• Complex Care Clinic: A consultative service for children with multiple chronic conditions, involving a team of developmental pediatricians, therapists, and educators.
• Partners in Health: A community-based program offering family support, education, and events for families of children with chronic health conditions.

Eligibility and Access

Services are generally available to New Hampshire residents. While some programs act as a payer of last resort for families meeting financial eligibility criteria, others (like clinics and care coordination) are broader in scope. Families are encouraged to contact the bureau directly to discuss eligibility for specific financial assistance or support programs. As part of the DHHS campus, visitors should be prepared for standard security protocols when visiting administrative offices.