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Sharyland ISD staff recommend switching Medicaid billing and SHARS vendor to Onward for better technical support
Summary
District staff told trustees they want to move SHARS (School Health and Related Services) Medicaid claiming and billing to Onward, a vendor that staff said has onboarded many districts previously served by MSB and offers stronger day‑to‑day technical support; the vendor fee was described as a 5% commission rate consistent with market practice.
District staff and special‑services leaders discussed a planned vendor change for Medicaid claiming and SHARS billing. The district has used another vendor (MSB) for about six years, but presenters said issues with recent staff turnover and claims handling prompted a review of three vendors. Onward was recommended based on experience onboarding more than 100 districts previously using MSB and for having robust technical support, a local representative and a live chat feature that staff said would reduce day‑to‑day barriers for occupational therapists, speech providers and school psychologists.
Doctor Torres (special programs leadership) and finance staff said Onward offered a standard fee structure (a 5% commission was noted) and that the district’s evaluation prioritized cleaner reports, stronger daily technical support and a smoother transition for providers. Staff said better technical assistance could reduce audit risk and improve revenue collection for the district’s SHARS program.
Board discussion on the item was for workshop discussion only; staff said the procurement/contract would be on the consent/agenda for the coming Monday meeting for formal authorization.
