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Governor Chris Sununu Signs Medicaid to Schools Legislation
Concord, NH – Today, Governor Chris Sununu signed SB 684, relative to Medicaid to schools. The bill was drafted by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services in coordination with the Governor's office, a bipartisan group of legislators, the New Hampshire Department of Education, and the NH Association of Special Education Administrators.
"With the stroke of a pen, we have ensured that students are still able to receive the critical health care services they need," said Governor Chris Sununu. "I appreciate the hard work and bipartisan nature surrounding this process, and this bill will help New Hampshire get back on track and ensure critical services to our students while allowing schools to recoup their lost funds."
"New Hampshire schools needed prompt, direct action to protect the Medicaid-to-schools program," said Senator Jim Gray (R-Rochester). "Thanks to the leadership of Governor Sununu and the members of the bipartisan working group, New Hampshire has come together to address the issue in a timely manner."
"This bill will allow greater cooperation across state departments to help local school districts qualify for federal Medicaid funds," said Deputy Education Commissioner Christine Brennan. "By breaking down bureaucratic silos, we can help schools deliver vital health care services."
"This legislation, combined with the Governor's Executive Order and the adoption of the new Medicaid to Schools rule, ensures that schools are able to access a full array of health care providers and receive federal funding through Medicaid, to the benefit of New Hampshire students. SB 684 is the result of the collaboration of leaders across the state, including the Governor, legislators, teachers, providers, and advocates. This law makes for a stronger, more robust Medicaid to Schools program."
Under the Medicaid to Schools program, school districts are eligible for Medicaid reimbursement for health care services that schools provide to students enrolled in Medicaid. Services eligible for federal reimbursement include behavioral health services, personal care, and rehabilitation therapy services such as physical therapy.