Medical Assistance (MA) Billing

Explanation

MA billing is a system where Minnesota's Department of Human Services (DHS) reimburses school districts for specific health-related services provided to special education students. DHS has specific paperwork requirements, and it is the responsibility of school districts—not DHS—to fulfill those requirements in order to receive reimbursement. Districts may only bill for services provided within the current school year. SCRED member districts engage in MA billing for two reasons:

• It's the law. Minnesota legal statute 125A.21, subd. 2(a) dictates that districts must seek reimbursement from third parties and "maximize" attempts to collect MA revenue.

• The revenue benefits our students. Any money received from third party billing can only be used (1) for the costs of billing itself and (2) for the benefits of students with special needs. Within the SCRED member districts, MA revenue is used to offset non-reimbursable special education costs (which frees up general education revenue).

Follow the MA Billing link for complete information and resources on this topic.