The Rhode Island Technical Assistance Project (RITAP) at Rhode Island College provides technical assistance and training in specialized programs and projects, including the services of a Medicaid Specialist. The Medicaid Specialist provides training and technical assistance to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) about accessing Medicaid funds for certain services provided to students with disabilities. LEAs include local school districts and public charter schools. The Medicaid specialist also serves as the Department of Education's liaison to the CEDARR Initiative, which is administered by the Department of Human Services.

Since 1992, Rhode Island LEAs have been able to enroll as Medical Assistance providers with the Department of Human Services. Enrolling as a Medicaid provider enables them to submit claims for certain services provided to students with disabilities. These services include: physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, behavioral health services, nursing, personal care, assistive technology devices and services, and the development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Currently, there are 34 LEAs enrolled as providers representing 38 of the 39 cities and towns in the state. Since 1993, they have received an aggregate of $68 million.

The Medicaid Specialist is available to provide:

• Information about how LEAs can enroll as Medical Assistance providers
• Individual and group training about claims preparation and processing
• Contact information for the Department of Human Services and Electronic Data System (EDS), the fiscal agent for the state Medicaid program
• Medicaid policy and program updates
• Information about the CEDARR Initiative, including CEDARR Family Centers and the CEDARR Interdepartmental Team (representatives from the Departments of Human Services, Education, Health and Children, Youth and Families.

LEA Medicaid Reimbursement (PDF: 20 KB / 1 page)

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For more information, please contact:

Denise Achin
Office of Special Needs
255 Westminster Street
Providence, RI 02903-3400
Phone: (401) 222-4600 ext. 2306
Fax: (401) 222-6030
E-mail: dachin@ritap.org