A Year of Changes in the SHARS Program and a Look into the Future

School Health and Related Services (SHARS) is a federal Medicaid program that allows Texas school districts to get reimbursed for some of the special education services they provide students. If your district participates in SHARS, you may already know that seeking reimbursements on eligible services can be complicated because of ever-changing rules and regulations. Add in pandemic-related juggling, and we can safely say this year has seen a great deal of turmoil and change in all that we do.

With so much uncertainty partnered with potential policy changes, guidance is needed, including how to implement everything to maintain compliance. There is also a need for understanding what the future of SHARS/Medicaid billing looks like and what districts currently not participating in SHARS should take into consideration.

Reimbursements Through SHARS Help Budget-Strapped Districts

If there’s one thing we all know, it’s that Texas school districts are facing some complicated funding challenges. Participating in SHARS can bring much-needed money back into your district to help you support your students. Since you are already providing appropriate services to eligible students under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), SHARS participation provides you the means to stretch the district dollar a bit further.

In addition to statewide SHARS guidance available to all districts, the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) offers web-based documentation and SHARS billing software as well as customer service from professionals with decades of boots-on-the-ground experience.

Medicaid Billing Updates and a Look into the Future at the SHARS 2021 Conference

With SHARS cost reports submission in the rearview mirror and the commotion related to school year close-out still a few weeks out, spring is an ideal time for learning and regrouping. That’s why TASB Special Education Solutions is hosting its annual SHARS 2021 Conference on April 29-30, 2021.

This year’s event, free to Texas public school districts and education service centers and $50 for entities that aren’t TASB members, will be held virtually and focus on the future of SHARS/Medicaid billing. It’s an ideal time to review billing updates and best practices, network with SHARS professionals across the state, and look into the future.

Whether you are new to SHARS or have extensive experience with it, this conference will provide opportunities to: