On behalf of Governor Huckabee and myself, I am writing this letter to request your immediate assistance in beginning the steps necessary for school districts to bill Medicaid for Outreach Activities conducted by school nurses.
As you are aware, the Governor's Office has been working with Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families and the Department of Human Services, Division of Medical Services (State Medicaid Office) to allow school districts to bill Medicaid for Outreach Services conducted by school nurses. One of the first steps engaged in this activity is to secure a written waiver from parents who are applying for free and reduced meals for their children. A copy of the waiver is enclosed. We are requesting that you send a copy of this waiver along with your free and reduced meals application packet to parents in your district. This waiver can be used by school nurses for ARKids First and Medicaid Outreach Activities. A school district=s distribution of the waiver form with the free and reduced meals application to all families can assist many Arkansas students in accessing needed health care services.
Although many of you have been in meetings regarding accessing Medicaid for Outreach Services conducted by school nurses, you may still have questions as to exactly what is included in Outreach Activities. Enclosed is information which describes briefly Outreach Services. Specific training will be conducted later this summer to fully explain the Medicaid process and to identify eligible activities. As with all Medicaid Services, there is a required state/federal match. For Outreach Services, this match is 50/50. However, the funds generated under this program will enable school districts to expand and/or enhance their school nurse programs.
This is an exciting opportunity for school districts. Again, I urge you to distribute the waiver with your application for free and reduced meals. Should you have questions, please contact Wanda Shockey at (501) 324-9502 or Dr. Bobbie Davis at (501) 682-1297.
Application forms and other additional information will be distributed in print form through the school mail.