03 Jul KDHE-DHCF Receives $2.5 Million Grant from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Division of Health Care Finance (KDHE-DHCF), has successfully secured a $2,5 million grant from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for the implementation of School-Based Services (SBS) under KanCare. This grant will enhance the infrastructure necessary to support state and local education agencies (LEAs) in reaching all eligible Medicaid-enrolled children.
The primary focus of the grant is to strengthen the existing school-based delivery system in Kansas by addressing current challenges through needs assessments, surveys, focus groups, and stakeholder meetings. By expanding SBS beyond Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP), the project aims to provide financial support for services already offered by LEAs and leverage federal Medicaid funds, reducing reliance on limited state education funds.
This grant addresses significant barriers faced by schools and service providers in delivering and billing for Medicaid-eligible services. It aims to remove existing obstacles for service providers such as Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), allowing for the provision and billing of new SBS, thereby ensuring a sustainable reimbursement structure. By creating a robust network of SBS providers and improving access to care, this initiative will foster the emotional and physical development of school-aged children, laying a healthy foundation for their future.
The KDHE-DHCF project will serve Medicaid-enrolled children across Kansas, targeting those who require behavioral health services, autism services, and other Medicaid-eligible services, regardless of their participation in an IEP or IFSP. This transformative effort is made possible by collaborating with the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund (UMHMF), ensuring a significant impact on the health and wellness of Kansas students.