SHARS Program

The SHARS program allows districts to receive federal reimbursement through Medicaid for providing designated related services to special education students. The SHARS program consists of three components.

1. Participating in three quarterly Random Moment Time Studies
2. Filing interim claims and receiving payments throughout the year
3. Completing an annual cost report
4. Designated services are provided to the students based on a qualifying medical condition and services are reimbursed based on meeting specified requirements. The designated related services categories include the following.

•  Assessments
•  Audiology
•  Counseling
•  Nursing Services
•  Medical Services
•  Occupational Therapy
•  Personal Care Services
•  Physical Therapy
•  Psychological Services
•  Special Transportation
•  Speech Therapy

Specified requirements for the reimbursement of a qualifying service include the following.

1. The student must be Medicaid eligible.
2. The student must be between 3 and 21 years of age.
3. The student must meet eligibility requirements for Special Education per the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
4. The student must have an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) documenting the needed services, location, duration, and frequency.
5. The District must obtain parental consent to submit services.
6. Provider must meet SHARS Provider and Supervision requirements.
7. Any needed evaluations or prescriptions must be on file with the District.

TCASE—SHARS Presentation, January 19, 2011
 

 Contact us today at smart@tasb.org or call 800.580.8272 and ask for the SMART Team!