Since 1993, the State of Michigan has participated in a Federal program called Medicaid School-Based Services. The program assists school districts by providing partial reimbursement for medically-related services listed on a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Although this partial reimbursement is available only for students who are Medicaid eligible, services are provided to all students with disabilities regardless of their Medicaid eligibility status.
The Michigan School-Based Services program is under the direction of the Michigan Department of Community Health.
In 2013, the regulations regarding Medicaid parental consent for School-Based Services changed. Prior to accessing a child's public benefits or insurance for the first time, and annually thereafter, school districts must provide parents/guardians written notification. So what does all this mean?
NO - IEP/IFSP services are provided to students while they are at school at NO cost to the parent/guardian.
Will School-Based Medicaid claiming impact your family's Medicaid benefits?
The School-Based Services program does NOT impact a family's Medicaid services, funds, or limits. Michigan operates the School-Based Services program differently than the family's Medicaid program. The School-Based Services program does not affect your family's Medicaid benefits in any way.
What type of services does the School-Based Services program cover?
In order to submit claims for School-Based Services reimbursement, the following types of records may be required: first name, last name, middle name, address, date of birth, student ID, Medicaid ID, disability, service dates and the type of services delivered.
Information about your child's School-Based Services may be shared with the Michigan Medicaid agency and its affiliates for the purpose of verifying Medicaid eligibility and submitting claims.
You have the right to withdraw consent to disclose your child's personally identifiable information to the Michigan Medicaid agency and its affiliates at any time.
Will your consent or refusal affect your child's services?
NO. Regardless of whether you have Medicaid coverage or not (and whether you provide consent or not) the school district will still provide services to your child pursuant to their IEP or IFSP.
Please call your school district's Special Education department with questions or concerns, or to obtain a copy of the parental consent form.