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Disability advocates push KSDE to better leverage EPSDT; agency cites Medicaid limits and proposes outreach
Summary
Disability Rights Center representative Mike Burgess urged CEAC to use EPSDT (Medicaid) as a tool to support Part C→B transitions and services; KSDE said schools can bill for some services but that Medicaid administration and billing support reside with KDHE and MCOs, recommending a joint outreach/education agenda item.
Mike Burgess of the Disability Rights Center told CEAC that recent CMS guidance and a $52 million state appropriation underscore an opportunity to use EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment) to meet children’s medical and therapeutic needs and smooth transitions between Part C and Part B services.
"EPSDT is a key tool to help ... ameliorate conditions of the students," Burgess said, urging KSDE to coordinate outreach so families and providers learn how to access EPSDT services and billing pathways.
KSDE staff responded that while school‑based providers can bill Medicaid for some evaluations and certain services (for example, school psychologists and social workers when listed on an IEP), the state’s Medicaid program and the mechanics of reimbursement are administered by KDHE and managed care organizations. One KSDE attendee said the department does not have an employee whose job description includes Medicaid billing, and recommended KSDE work with KDHE, third‑party billers and training partners to clarify what schools can bill and when.
CEAC members suggested practical next steps: a shared parent‑facing brochure or joint statement explaining EPSDT and referral paths; a future agenda item to map EPSDT resources and county‑level contacts; and leaning on advocates like Burgess to supply community information. KSDE agreed to coordinate with leadership and, if approved, add EPSDT as a future agenda item and to invite Burgess to provide information for the group.
What’s next: KSDE will explore adding an EPSDT agenda item for January and work with KDHE and advocacy organizations to identify materials that could be shared with districts and families.
