Directs the department of education and the insurance department to adopt rules relative to signature requirements for school billing consent.
relative to consent for school billing purposes.
I support HB 1640 because it protects parental consent while allowing school districts to recover Medicaid funds for services they are already required to provide. This helps reduce pressure on local property taxes without expanding government or mandates. Please vote Ought to Pass.
AFT-NH supports this bill. It is a minor adjustment to current law to save parents from being needlessly called back each time there is an administrative change to the numbering of Medicaid billing codes, yet still allow the student to receive services the parent had agreed to in the IEP. Any changes to the actual services would need the approval of a parent as part of the IEP process.
Testimony opposing HB 1640 highlights significant intersectional harms that this legislation can inflict on vulnerable populations, particularly low-income families and children with disabilities. By mandating yearly consent for schools to access Medicaid benefits for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans, the bill could create additional barriers for families already facing systemic obstacles. Such consent processes may overload parents with paperwork, exacerbate inequities, and potentially lead to a decrease in necessary services for students who rely on Medicaid for essential educational resources. Moreover, the requirement for separate signatures when children move to a new district neglects the realities of families who experience frequent changes in residence—often a hallmark of economic instability or housing insecurity. This unnecessary bureaucratic burden not only places an undue strain on parents but also risks disrupting continuity of care and support for students with disabilities. Ultimately, HB 1640 perpetuates existing disparities and undermines the essential principle of equity in education, as families who may lack the time, resources, or understanding of these requirements face the greatest risk of reduced access to the services their children critically need.
Position recorded without written comment.
Position recorded without written comment.
Position recorded without written comment.