Medicaid for Parents

Medicaid School Services Brochures

Arabic Medicaid School Services Brochure
English Medicaid School Services Brochure
Spanish Medicaid School Services Brochure

School Services Program

Frequently Asked Questions

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 ensure 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 Plan (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 parent/guardian.

Will it impact my family’s Medicaid benefits?

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 types of services does the School 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 ensure my school district receives benefits from the School Services Program?

School districts have been participating in the School Services Program since 1993, but recently Federal regulations changed to require that the parent/guardian:

• 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

Due to recent changes in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), school districts are required to provide annual notification regarding the School Services Program Medicaid services and obtain a one-time consent from families whose students qualify for Medicaid.

Medicaid Annual Notification Regarding Parental Consent

The Annual Notification Regarding Parental Consent form is used to inform parents/guardians about what the Medicaid School Services Program is, what information is shared, and that they have the right to withdraw their consent to disclose their child’s personally identifiable information to the Michigan Medicaid agency and its affiliates at any time.

Medicaid Annual Notification - English
Medicaid Annual Notification - Arabic
Medicaid Annual Notification - Spanish 

Medicaid One-Time Parental Consent Form

The Medicaid School Services Program One-Time Parental Consent form is a "separate consent form" to be signed by the parent/guardian.   This is a one-time consent that is voluntary and requires a parent or guardian to provide written consent to release information about their child to the Michigan Medicaid agency and its affiliates to obtain reimbursement. This may include name, address, date of birth, student ID, Medicaid ID, disability/diagnosis, dates, and services delivered.

Medicaid One-Time Parental Consent Form - English
Medicaid One-Time Parental Consent Form - Arabic
Medicaid One-Time Parental Consent Form - Spanish

If you need information or assistance with Medicaid or other social services, use the following resources:

• The Department of Health and Human Services office website.  Follow the link and select the "Assistance" link on the top left side of the screen.
• The Department of Health & Human Services Customer Service line at 1-855-275-6424
• Michigan's "Helping Hand" website.
• Michigan's Social Services Hotline:  211.
• For a list of Wayne County offices, visit the Wayne County Department of Human Services website.

The Affordable Care Act

Visit the HealthCare.Gov website and learn about the Affordable Care Act and resources that are available for your family.