FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
About Stellar's Medicaid Reimbursement Program
IF THE SCHOOL RECEIVES MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT FOR A STUDENT'S THERAPY SERVICES, CAN MY CHILD STILL GET THESE SERVICES OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL?
Yes. As long as the school and a private agency do not duplicate the same service on the same day, the child is eligible to continue getting services outside of school as well as at the school.
WHAT HEALTH-RELATED SCHOOL SERVICES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT?
Medically necessary speech, occupational, and physical therapy, as well as audiology and nursing services, are eligible for Medicaid reimbursement when they are included in a student's IEP.
HOW WILL STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM THE SCHOOL RECEIVING MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENTS?
The reimbursements from Medicaid are required to be used specifically on special education needs. This adds to the amount of money schools will have to spend on services that are specifically for special education students.
CAN SCHOOLS BILL PRIVATE INSURANCE FOR ELIGIBLE SERVICES?
Yes, however; private insurance policies often have annual limits on the amount of services that they will pay for. At this time, Stellar only assists schools in billing insurances that have no co-pays and no annual limits.
WHAT IF A STUDENT DOESN'T HAVE MEDICAID?
The school will continue to provide all of the services described in their IEP regardless of Medicaid eligibility.
DOESN'T THE DISTRICT ALREADY RECEIVE FEDERAL FUNDING FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES?
Yes. However, IDEA funds are limited and do not cover all Special Education expenses. Because Medicaid is funded through both federal and state budgets, this allows the Federal government to pay for more of the costs of special education than they would if only IDEA funds were accessed.
WHAT IF A PARENT DOESN'T WANT THE SCHOOL TO RECEIVE REIMBURSEMENTS FROM THEIR CHILD'S MEDICAID?
Although there is no impact or change to the child's services or insurance coverage, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) does require the school to obtain parental permission before accessing their state Medicaid.