In Florida, children with disabilities receive medical and social support services from multiple state agencies and, as mandated by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), educational and related services from local school districts. Overall, services to these children cost the state and local school districts $2.1 billion in Fiscal Year 2000-01. Educational and related services composed the major portion this cost. Most of the funding for these school-based services came from state and local sources.
The state could increase federal revenue for services for children with disabilities in two ways. First, school districts could maximize their use of the Medicaid Certified School Match program, which allows them to bill Medicaid for the medical and support services they provide to eligible children in the Exceptional Student Education program; this would generate an estimated $2.4 million. Second, the state could implement changes to the Medicaid Certified School Match Program that would allow school districts to bill for additional services; this would generate an estimated $33.6 million.
In addition, the Legislature may wish to petition the federal government to bring the amount it reimburses schools for services to disabled students closer to the cap specified in the Individuals with Disabilities Act. Full federal funding would provide Florida districts with an additional $476.9 million in funding.

Steps Taken to Maximize Federal Revenue for Exceptional Student Education Program
Report 06-49 May 2006
Many Children Receiving Intensive Exceptional Student Education Services Are Served by Multiple Programs; No Unnecessary Duplication of Services Found
Report 04-39 June 2004
Florida Could Avoid $1.5 Million Annually in ESE Costs for Out-of-State Students Who Are Placed in Private Residential Facilities
Report 03-58 November 2003
Exceptional Student Education Population Grows Dramatically; More Accountability and Better Training Needed to Implement Funding Matrix
Report 03-40 July 2003

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.