Medically Complex Life Sharing with Children (MCC Life Sharing)
Supporting Families of Children with Medically Complex Conditions
Caring for a child with a
medically complex condition often requires full-time, hands-on support. In many cases, a family member may need to leave their job to provide the essential, intensive care their child requires. Medically Complex Conditions (MCC) Life Sharing offers a solution by allowing caregivers to receive reimbursement for the support they provide. This support not only helps ease financial burdens but also empowers families to keep their children in a loving, home-based environment.
For more information, please contact:
Barbara Dyer, Director of Life Sharing | 412-730-3478 or bdyer@PFQ.org
Who Qualifies for MCC Life Sharing?
Children eligible for the MCC
Life Sharing program are between the ages of birth and 21 and have one or more chronic health conditions that affect three or more organ systems.
These children typically require skilled nursing care to support vital needs such as:
- Breathing assistance
- Nutritional support
- Medication management
- Ongoing medical treatments
They may also rely on medical technology, including:
- Gastrostomy tubes (G-tubes)
- Ventilators
- Tracheostomies (trachs)
Citizen Care began offering the
MCC Life Sharing service in March 2024. Since then, the program has made a meaningful difference—helping children return home from the hospital and, in many cases, preventing the need for hospital or pediatric facility admissions altogether. Thanks to strong support from our Life Sharing Partners and growing awareness, the program has experienced tremendous growth since its launch, allowing more families to care for their children in a safe, supportive home environment.
The Benefits of MCC Life Sharing
Keeping Families Together
MCC Life Sharing helps families stay united by allowing children with complex medical needs to remain at home—avoiding hospital stays or placement in pediatric care facilities.
Continued Access to EPSDT Services
Children receiving Life Sharing
supports continue to benefit from Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) services, ensuring their medical and developmental needs are fully addressed.
Financial Relief for Families
Caring for a medically fragile child is a full-time responsibility. Life Sharing families receive a generous, tax-free stipend in recognition of the intensive care they provide. This support helps ease the financial strain—especially when parents are unable to work due to frequent nursing call-outs or unfilled shifts.
Smooth Transition to Adult Services
Life Sharing is funded through a Consolidated Waiver, which stays with the child as they transition into adult services at age 21—ensuring continuity of care and peace of mind for families.
Ongoing Support from a Dedicated Team
Families are never alone.
Citizen Care provides access to a compassionate and experienced team, including:
- A Life Sharing Program Specialist
- A Medical Coordinator
- A Life Sharing Nurse
- A Life Sharing Family Support Specialist (if additional in-home support is needed)
