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New Medicaid Billing Pilot in Bethel

Posted Date: 09/03/26 (02:25 PM)
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Dear Bethel families,

Bethel School District is excited to share that we can now receive reimbursement from the state for certain Medicaid-eligible services we already provide to students. This program gives us an opportunity to bring additional funding into our schools and classrooms, helping us provide even more resources and support for students.

Most importantly, nothing about the services students receive is changing. These services are available to students regardless of whether they have Medicaid coverage and will continue to be provided at no cost to families as part of their education in Bethel.

The funding we receive through Medicaid billing will go back toward supporting students and their day-to-day school experience. This can help us provide specialized staff, such as nurses and speech-language pathologists, as well as supplies, equipment and other resources students need to learn, grow and thrive.

Because Medicaid billing is new to Bethel, we’re starting small. We’ll begin with a limited number of students and services while our team learns the process, with plans to thoughtfully expand the program over time.

If your student is enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) and receives a service that is eligible for Medicaid billing, a member of the Bethel School District Medicaid Billing Team will reach out to you directly. They will explain the process, answer your questions and provide a consent form. The district will not bill Medicaid for your student’s services without your consent. Whether or not you choose to provide consent has no impact on the services your student receives at school.

If you have questions or would like to learn more, please visit the BSD Medicaid Billing page and FAQs: bethel.k12.or.us/medicaid-billing. You’re also welcome to contact Brooke Cottle at brooke.cottle@Bethel.k12.or.us or (541) 607-1430. Included below is an additional ​letter from Oregon Health Authority, with more information included. 

We’re excited about this opportunity to bring additional resources into Bethel while continuing to provide students with the support they need to be successful.

Written Notification to Parent/Guardian 

Proposed Use of Public Insurance (Medicaid) 

Ages 3 - 21


Education agencies may receive partial reimbursement from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), for the costs of Medicaid covered health services provided to Medicaid-enrolled children and young adults. The education agency needs your consent to share information about your child with the OHA for the purpose of accessing Medicaid reimbursement for covered health services provided to your child.


The following information about your child may be shared: name; date of birth; type of services provided, the date(s) services are provided, and by whom; attendance records, and State Student Identification Number (SSID).


This notice explains the protections you have related to giving permission for the use of your child’s public insurance (Medicaid). This notice must be provided by the education agency prior to obtaining your written consent to seek Medicaid reimbursement and then each following year after your consent is obtained.


This written notice is meant to inform you that you have certain rights and protections:


  1. The education agency cannot require you to sign up for the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) for your child to receive the school health services to which they are entitled.

  2. The education agency cannot ask you to pay anything for your child's health-related services provided in the school setting. This means they cannot ask you for a co-pay or deductible to bill the OHA for the services provided. 

  3. If you give the education agency permission to share information with the OHA to bill Medicaid:

    1. This will not affect your child’s available coverage or other Medicaid benefits; nor will it in any way limit your own family’s use of Medicaid benefits outside of school.

    2. This will not affect your child’s special education services or Individualized Education Program (IEP), Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), or Section 504 Plan rights.

    3. Your permission will not lead to any changes in your child’s Medicaid rights.

    4. Your permission will not lead to any risk of losing eligibility for other Medicaid or OHA funded programs.

  4. If you give permission, you have the right to change your mind and withdraw your permission at any time. You must let the education agency know, in writing, that your permission is withdrawn.

  5. If you withdraw your permission or refuse to allow the education agency to share your child’s records and information for the purpose of seeking Medicaid reimbursement for the cost of services, the education agency will continue to be responsible for providing your child with the services, at no cost to you.