The bill amends Section 40-8-18 of the General Laws in Chapter 40-8 entitled "Medical Assistance" to enhance the reimbursement for early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment (EPSDT) services through local education agencies (LEAs) for children eligible for medical assistance. The amendment specifies that participation by LEAs as EPSDT providers is voluntary and aims to maximize federal funding for such services through collaboration among the Department of Human Services (DHS), the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and LEAs. The bill outlines the requirements for LEAs to provide a state match to obtain federal financial participation for EPSDT services and associated administrative costs, with the stipulation that the local education agency is not required to provide a local certified match for services where the state agrees to provide the state match.

The bill also includes new language that expands the scope of services eligible for federal Medicaid reimbursement to include those provided by school social workers and certified school psychologists who are certified by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. These professionals are also eligible to participate in time studies as employees and contractors of LEAs. The bill encourages the executive office of health and human services and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to collaborate and pursue opportunities for LEAs to bill and obtain federal Medicaid reimbursement for eligible services delivered in schools. The bill would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
869  SUB A: 40-8-18
869: 40-8-18