Healthy children and youth have a better chance of achieving academic, social, and personal success than their peers who are singled-out by a health concern or disability that impacts their ability to participate in school. Because of their position in the daily lives of children, youth, and their families, New Mexico schools are poised to offer unique advantages and opportunities that can help families access health information, medical and behavioral health services, and facts about Medicaid enrollment. Through the Medicaid School-Based Services (MSBS) program, New Mexico schools also offer key health and health-related services that are designed to integrate and maintain active learning for Medicaid-eligible children and youth with special education and health care needs.
The MSBS program was added in 1994 as a Medicaid-covered benefit for children and youth age 3-20. Through this program, schools are eligible to receive reimbursement for services provided to Medicaid-eligible students that receive services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). These services include:
- Audiology services
- Occupational, physical and speech therapies
- Mental health services
- Nursing services
- Transportation
- Nutritional assessments and counseling
- Case Management
In addition, school districts are able to bill and be reimbursed for certain Medicaid-related administrative activities, such as conducting Medicaid-related outreach, facilitating Medicaid eligibility determinations, coordinating transportation to Medicaid-covered services, making referrals, coordinating and monitoring Medicaid services, and engaging in medical service program planning, policy development and interagency coordination.
School districts are able to use the money paid to them under the MSBS program to pay for health and health-related services benefiting all students, not just those who are Medicaid or IDEA eligible.
