Bill > S862

This bill modifies Massachusetts law to clarify and expand MassHealth reimbursement for schools by replacing the term "local government entity" with "local educational authority" and establishing detailed guidelines for how schools can seek and use Medicaid reimbursements. The bill defines key terms such as "school-based services" (medically necessary services provided to students) and "school-based Medicaid provider" (local educational agencies providing these services), and requires the executive offices of health and human services and education to ensure local educational agencies can obtain reimbursement for services provided to school-age children who are MassHealth eligible. Importantly, the bill mandates that reimbursement proceeds must be used to fund school-based services and related administrative activities, and explicitly states that these funds should not replace existing school health funding. The legislation allows schools to submit MassHealth claims for services regardless of whether a student is in an individualized education program, and provides flexibility for schools to use reimbursement funds for a wide range of health-related purposes, including behavioral health support, case management, health education, and infrastructure development.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S862