States Expand Medicaid Reimbursement of School-Based Telehealth Services
Updated May 5, 2021
During the COVID-19 pandemic, students have faced disruptions in access to school-based physical and behavioral health services as schools shifted from in-person to virtual learning. Many schools adapted by delivering services through telehealth and states implemented policies that allow Medicaid to reimburse for school-based telehealth services to support the health needs of students. These policies promote access to critical health services for students and support schools in meeting federal requirements to provide services to students with disabilities while reducing risk of COVID-19 transmission. These maps and the accompanying chart highlight the types of school-based telehealth services that states reimbursed through Medicaid prior to COVID-19, and policy changes during the pandemic. This issue brief, States Expand Medicaid Reimbursement of School-Based Telehealth Services, discusses these policies and key considerations for states during and beyond the pandemic.Medicaid Reimbursement Policy for School-Based Telehealth
| Key Terms | |
| AS – Audiology Services
BH – Behavioral health DS – Distant site (service provider is located in the school) EPSDT – Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment IEP – Individualized Education Plan LEA – Local Education Agencies NS – Nursing Services |
OS – Originating site (student receiving services is located in the school)
OT – Occupational therapy PCS – Personal care services PS – Physician Services PT – Physical therapy SLT – Speech/language therapy |
**The information NASHP compiled about this state was not confirmed by the state’s Medicaid agency.
Acknowledgements: This issue brief was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number U2MOA39467 the National Organizations of State and Local Officials co-operative agreement. This information or content and conclusions are those of the authors and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the US government.
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