August, 2009

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

We are pleased to provide special education services to your child. In an effort to maintain the highest possible quality of special education services in the Baltimore County Public Schools, we are seeking your support of the Office of Third Party Billing.

We have found that many services provided by the Baltimore County Public Schools' staff which are in your child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP), such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, audiological services, nursing services, psychological services, social work services, and case management services, are covered by Medical Assistance.

We are notifying parents that the Baltimore County Public School system will be billing Medicaid directly and will use all reimbursement received to expand special education and health related services for all students. There will be no cost to your family. This will not affect or change your Medical Assistance.

The Federal Government and the United States Congress have encouraged school districts to use all sources of funding available, including benefits payable through Medical Assistance for Individualized Education Plan (IEP) services. If your child does not have a Medical Assistance card, you will not be affected by this program.

We appreciate your cooperation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Office of Third Party Billing at 410-887-4130.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joe A. Hairston
Superintendent