Committee refers bill directing DMAS to provide Medicaid billing training for schools to appropriations

Senate Bill 73 would direct the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to provide training and technical assistance to local school divisions on Medicaid billing for school-based health services and supports. Senator Srinivasan presented a line amendment clarifying that DMAS will provide technical assistance and training but is not responsible for submitting claims on behalf of school divisions.

Supporters including Chloe Edwards (New Virginia MajorityFund Our Schools), Dr. Liz Nigro (Voices for Virginia's Children), Chelsea Duntory (Legal Aid Justice Center) and Sid Neighbors (Virginia Education Association) argued the training could help smaller and under-resourced school divisions capture Medicaid reimbursements they are currently missing. The sponsor noted the bill had been changed to reduce fiscal impact and remove proposed FTEs.

The committee voted to report SB73 with the line amendment and refer it to Appropriations to confirm there is no fiscal impact; subcommittee members emphasized that training and technical assistance are a first step and asked for follow-up evaluation of effectiveness.