Medicaid
Medicaid School-Based Services (MSBS) are health-related and rehabilitative services provided to children with disabilities who receive services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These services are provided by school districts, and charter schools and are considered medically necessary for children to participate in their educational program. 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. School districts and charter schools that enroll as Medicaid providers can receive reimbursement for MSBS provided that:
- The child is eligible for Medicaid
- Each service is specifically identified on an individualized Education Plan (IEP)
- Services are medically necessary for a child to benefit from their educational program
The Medicaid School-Based Services (MSBS) program enables Los Lunas Schools to be reimbursed for ancillary services provided to Medicaid eligible students including:
- Audiological Services
- Nursing Services
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- School Psychological Services
- Social Work
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Transportation Services
School Districts are required to use the money they receive from MSBS to expand and enhance health and health-related services that will benefit all children in the school district. Los Lunas Schools uses this money in several areas including:
- Additional School Nurses FTEs
- Additional School Social Worker/Counselor FTEs
- After-school/summer programs if they include nutrition, physical education, and health education components
- Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) including replacement batteries, Supplies and maintenance
- Conference expenses, if conference related to MSBS/Medicaid or Medical
- Contracted Therapies
- Equipment for direct service providers to comply with goals, objectives in IEP/IFSP
- Health Education Materials
- Items that support good nutrition
- Medical Training for EAs to be Health Assistants
- Nursing Individualized Health Plan care plan books
- OT, PT, Yoga mats
- Salaries/Benefits of MSBS staff including coordinator, billing clerk
- School Nurse Supplies/Equipment
- Small piece of adaptive equipment, not covered by insurance, for individual student
- Supplies for MSBS office/staff including computers, printers, fax, office supplies
- Third-Party billing expenses
- Travel of MSBS staff to attend MSBS meetings and or trainings, including PE/MOSAA, and conferences
Medicaid Application Assistance:
Families that need to apply for Children's Medicaid (Centennial Care) can visit Special Services for assistance. The following documents are required:
- Child's Original Birth Certificate
- Child's Social Security Card
- Proof of child care expenses
- Proof of any other health insurance
- Proof of past 4 weeks of income or last year's tax returns
- Valid Photo ID/Driver's License
Venessa Tregembo
Director of Support Services
(505) 866-2440
Corynn Bisi
Senior Financial Specialist
(505) 866-2440