What is the School Services Program?
Since 1993, Michigan Intermediate School Districts (ISDs) have participated in a federal and state-funded Medicaid reimbursement program. The School Services Program’s (SSP) sole purpose is to assure students receive needed health care (medical, emotional, and transportation-related) services at school.
The Direct Service Claiming (DSC) program, formally known as School-Based Services; assists school districts by providing partial reimbursement for medically related services that are listed on a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Services are provided to all students with disabilities regardless of their Medicaid eligibility status.
In 2019, a new program was added to expand the School Services Program. The Caring 4 Students (C4S) segment of the program assists school districts by providing partial reimbursement for the cost of expanding and enhancing emotional and medical services to Medicaid-eligible general education students through the age of 21. C4S includes general education students who have a Plan of Care (i.e. Health Care Plan, Behavioral Plan, Nursing Plan, 504 Plan, etc.) or the need for crisis intervention. Although this partial reimbursement is only available for students who are Medicaid eligible, these services are provided to all students regardless of the Medicaid eligibility status.
The Michigan School Services Program is under the direction of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Resources.
Is there a cost to me?
No. Services are provided to students while they are at school at no cost to the family.
Will it impact my family’s Medicaid?
No. The School Services Program does not impact a family’s Medicaid services, funds, or limits. Michigan operates the School Services Program differently than the Family Medicaid program. The School Services Program does not affect your family’s Medicaid benefits in any way.
What type of services for children does the School-Based Services program cover?
- Crisis Interventions
- Nursing
- Psychological/Social Work/Counseling
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Speech & Language
- Orientation & Mobility
- Assistive Technology Services
- Evaluations
- Developmental Testing
- Case Management
- Personal Care
- Special Education Transportation
How can I help assure my school district receives benefits from the School Services Program?
School districts have been participating since 1993 but recently Federal regulations changed to require the parent/guardian:
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- Be fully informed about the School Services Program
- Provide written consent to treat and provide intervention and support services to your child within the school day
- Provide written consent to bill Medicaid for medical, behavioral and mental health services provided to your child within the school day
- Fully understand that consent is voluntary and can be withdrawn at any time
Also available:
Overview of School Based Services Program
Michigan Medicaid Reimbursement Manual
