SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1155
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of March 13, 2009
Title: An act relating to billing for medical services provided through special education programs.
Brief Description: Concerning billing for medical services provided through special education programs.
Sponsors: Representatives Hinkle, Green, Cody and Wallace; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/23/09, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 3/18/09.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE |
Staff: Mich'l Needham (786-7442)
Background: Legislation passed in 1993 authorized the creation of a Medicaid billing program operated through the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for the medical services provided through special education programs. In subsequent years, the federal Office of the Inspector General completed an audit of the program, and, as a result, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) directed the Department of Social and Health Services, Health and Recovery Services Administration (HRSA) to change in the Washington State Medicaid Plan to bring program reimbursement and payment methods into compliance with current CMS policy. The audit findings required HRSA to modify the reimbursement methodology, end its financial relationship with OSPI, and provide reimbursement directly to school districts. A State Medicaid Plan amendment has been approved and the new reimbursement method with school districts has been in place since September 2007.
Summary of Bill: The statutes that established a Medicaid billing program through OSPI for medical services provided through special education programs are repealed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.