School districts now only need to get written consent one time from parents in order to tap Medicaid funds for some students with disabilities, according to new regulations from the U.S. Department of Education that will go into effect March 18.
Occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and mental health counseling are among the services that schools provide that are potentially reimbursable through Medicaid, if a Medicaid-eligible student requires them through his individualized education program. But since 2006, regulations in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has required that schools get permission “each time” they attempt to get a Medicaid payment.