Medicaid School-Based Services

Christie Husbands , Medicaid Coordinator

Many of you have probably never heard about the Medicaid School-Based Services program. What is this program and why does Los Lunas Schools participate in it? This program enables the school district to be reimbursed for ancillary services including Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Social Work and Psychological Services, Nursing and Transportation Services which are provided to Medicaid eligible students. The program is based upon the belief that healthy children and youth have a better chance of achieving academic, social and personal success than children and youth who are singled-out by a health concern or disability that impacts their ability to participate in school.. These key health and health-related services are designed to integrate and maintain active learning for Medicaid-eligible children and youth with special education and health care needs.

How does Los Lunas schools use the money they receive from Medicaid? School districts are required to use the money they receive from Medicaid to expand an d enhance health and health-related services that will benefit all children in the school district. To date, we have received over $562,000 for the 2006-2007 school year. This money has been spent in several areas including:

• New SNAP software and hardware for school nurses
• Submission of Safe Schools/Healthy Students Grant Proposal
• Elem. School Counselors Curriculum Mapping & lesson plan development
• Summer work session for Crisis Response Team
• Allocation of several new positions
• Parent-Home Liaison at Desert View Elem.
• Home School Liaison at Valencia High/Career Academy
• Medicaid Secretary I at Special Services
• School Counselor at Bosque Farms Elem.

This program is made successful by the hard work and dedication of many ancillary staff and IEP Facilitators throughout the district. We thank you!!!

Christie Husbands
Medicaid Coordinator
Special Services
(505) 866-8340