Description
The Alaska Department of Health is proposing amendments to Title 7 of the Alaska Administrative Code to expand Medicaid coverage for school‑based health services. The changes remove the requirement that a child have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or documented disability to qualify, allowing any Medicaid‑eligible student to receive services if the service is listed on the student’s current treatment plan (or if it is an evaluation, screening, assessment, or medication service). The rule revisions also update billing nomenclature, align fee schedules with the State Fiscal Year 2027 fee schedule, and clarify provider scope‑of‑practice requirements for physical, occupational, speech‑language, hearing, behavioral health, and medication services delivered in schools. Public comments are accepted until November 23 2026, with an oral hearing on November 16 2026 via Zoom.
• Expands Medicaid eligibility for school‑based therapies, assessments, and medication services.
• Removes the IEP/disability prerequisite; eligibility based on Medicaid status and treatment plan.
• Updates payment rates to reference the FY 2027 fee schedule (max 85 % of standard rates).
• Clarifies provider licensing and scope‑of‑practice for PT, OT, SLP, audiology, behavioral health, and nursing staff.
• Public comment period: Sep 15 2026 – Nov 23 2026; oral hearing Nov 16 2026 (Zoom).