Medicaid

Since 1993 the State of Michigan has participated in a federal Medicaid program called School-based Services. The program assists school districts by providing partial reimbursement for medically-related services (such as Occupational and Physical Therapy, Speech/Language Services, School Social Work, Nursing, and others) that are listed on a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Although partial reimbursement is available for students who are Medicaid eligible, services are provided to ALL students with disabilities regardless of their Medicaid eligibility status.

Medicaid funds for this program come from a special source for schools, and DO NOT affect the family's Medicaid insurance benefits, and are at NO COST to the family. Parent consent is needed to access the funds. This consent simply seeks permission to claim funds reserved by the state to help school provide the services listed on an IEP or IFSP.

How can I help assure my school district receives benefits from the School-based Service program?

School districts have been participating in the Medicaid School-based Services program since 1993, but recently Federal regulations changed to require the parent/guardian:

To be fully informed about the School-based Services program
To provide consent to release school records containing the student’s information to Michigan Medicaid and billing agencies for the purpose of participating in the School-based Services program
To understand that consent is voluntary and can be revoked

You can help by providing your written consent which allows your school district to continue to participate in the School-based Services program. In the times of reduced state funding for schools, all reimbursements are extremely important. Click the links for frequently asked questions about Medicaid in the schools (English version) or Medicaid in the schools (Spanish version).