Michigan has participated in a federal Medicaid program called School-based Services since 1993. Under the direction of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, this program assists school districts by providing partial reimbursement for medically-related services (such as Occupational and Physical Therapy, Speech/Language Services, School Social Work) that are recorded on a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Partial reimbursement to schools is possible for students who are Medicaid eligible. However, 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. Annual parental consent is required to access the funds. This consent simply seeks permission to claim funds reserved by the state to help schools provide the services listed on an IEP or IFSP.