Special education Medicaid reimbursement approved

Senators passed a bill April 17 that allows schools to seek reimbursement for a broader array of services delivered to Medicaid-eligible special education students.

LB276, sponsored by Omaha Sen. Jeremy Nordquist, allows school districts to seek reimbursement for audiology services, counseling, psychological and behavioral services, nursing, nutritional services, personal assistance, transportation, social work and vision services.

The bill requires the state Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the state Department of Education, before Oct. 1, 2015, jointly to revise the statewide billing system to simplify the claims process, update reimbursement rates and incorporate the new services into the state plan.

After the reimbursement rates have been updated, they will be reviewed at least once every five years.

The bill requires DHHS to retain an amount equal to the lesser of the actual cost of implementing and administering the statewide billing system and early intervention services coordination or:
• $250,000 for fiscal year 2014-15;
• $300,000 for FY2015-16; and
• the amount retained plus 5 percent for FY2016-17 and each fiscal year thereafter.

LB276 passed on a 48-0 vote.