To: Business Managers, District Special Education Directors, ESD Special Education Directors, School Medicaid Personnel, EI/ECSE Programs
From: Jennifer Dundon, School Medicaid Operations & Policy Analyst
Subject: November School Medicaid Newsletter
We are excited to share the latest updates and resources to support your work in School Based Health Services (SBHS) Medicaid billing. In this edition, you will learn about a resource-sharing platform where you can access and contribute tools for SBHS Medicaid programs, explore a new resource for Medicaid Administrative Claiming (MAC), register for an upcoming webinar and learn of the Oregon Health Authority’s plan to create guidance for personal care services.
School Medicaid Open Educational Resources Group
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) hosts the Oregon Open Learning Hub, which is a collaborative platform designed for Oregon educators to find, share, and create open educational resources (OERs). OERs are teaching and learning materials that can be freely used and reused at no cost, without needing to ask permission from the owner. Unlike copyrighted resources, OERs have been authored or created by an individual or an organization that chooses to retain few, if any, ownership rights.
The Oregon School Based Health Services (SBHS) group page within the platform is a centralized hub where staff involved in SBHS can access and share OERs related to SBHS programs. Create an account and request to join the SBHS group today! There are currently delegated health care log templates available but we need your OERs to continue to develop the platform. Please reach out to Jennifer Dundon (jennifer.dundon@ode.oregon.gov ) with any questions about the SBHS OER group.
Medicaid Administrative Claiming Resource
The ODE and OHA have partnered to develop guidance for School Safety and Prevention Specialists (SSPSs) participation in Medicaid Administrative Claiming cost pools. Many of the activities that SSPSs undertake are reimbursable through participation in MAC. SSPSs play a critical role in ensuring safe, supportive, and inclusive environments in schools across the state.
We are excited to announce that the MAC Guidance for SSPSs has been published! ODE and OHA will be providing training for ESD MAC Coordinators on November 18th. Please contact Lasa Baxter at lasa.baxter@oha.oregon.gov for more information about MAC billing.
Personal Care Services Update
The OHA is in the process of drafting clear guidance for personal care services (PCS) through engagement with key partners including state licensing boards. OHA plans to implement PCS for SBHS in early 2026. Please send questions about this PCS update to medicaid.sbhs@oha.oregon.gov.
Reminder for the School Medicaid Cost-Based Rates November Webinar
Join OHA and ODE for the upcoming webinar, School Medicaid Cost-Based Rates: Best Practices and Key Considerations for Setting Rates for Covered Services, on November 17, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
This webinar is designed for school district, ESD, and EI/ECSE program staff involved with the development of cost-based rates. Education agencies that are already participating in the program or those that are considering enrolling are encouraged to join.
We look forward to seeing you on November 17 to learn more about the cost-based rate setting.
Save the date: Office Hour – December 8th, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Please join OHA and ODE for an office hour that will allow participants to ask additional questions and engage in conversation about the cost-based rate setting process. This office hour is particularly geared toward SBHS Medicaid program coordinators and business office staff. Please register to attend the office hours.
Stay in Touch
To ensure you stay up to date with important information related to SBHS Medicaid program including program updates and training opportunities, we encourage you to subscribe to both ODE’s and OHA’s listservs.
|
