July 6, 2006

 

 

 

TO:                 Providers of School Based Services

 

FROM:           Leslie M. Clement, Administrator

 

 

 

This information release is to notify providers of School-Based Services (SBS) of upcoming changes to Idaho Medicaid coverage and reimbursement.  SBS providers have been recently informed of new administrative process requirements, referred to as intergovernmental transfer (IGT).  The IGT process requires new procedures for both schools and Medicaid regarding payment transactions.  A requirement related to the IGT process is that rates paid to schools are aligned with other community-based rates to non-school providers.  The following table reflects the adjustments which will be effective on July 1, 2006 consistent with IGT regulations:

 

 

 

There are other policy changes that impact schools as well:

 

·        CMS has informed the State of Idaho that it will no longer share in the cost of IEP plan development.  Effective July 1, 2006, Idaho Medicaid will remove IEP plan development from its covered services.

·        CMS has approved Idaho’s request to share in the costs of its Healthy Schools grant program.  This program will provide grants to school districts that have a disproportionately high number of low-income students.  Initially, grants will offset the cost of 10 full-time equivalent (FTE) professional nurses to provide prevention and wellness services in schools.  The design of this program is being finalized this summer in partnership with the State Department of Education and the initial grant will be made this fall.

 

 

If you have any questions please contact Eric Anderson, Senior Financial Specialist for the Medicaid Office of Reimbursement Policy, at (208) 364-1918. Thank you for your continued participation in the Idaho Medicaid program.

 

LMC/ea/sw