Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI)

What People Should Know About School Based Health Services Program (NJSBHSP)

The Newark Board of Education participates in the New Jersey School Based Health Services Program (NJSBHSP). NJSBHSP, formerly known as the Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI), allows school districts the opportunity to recover federal funds for medically necessary and/or IEP-mandated related services provided to Medicaid-eligible students in a school-based setting. These services include evaluations, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech/language therapy, counseling, nursing, and specialized transportation services.

This reimbursement helps offset the costs associated with providing specialized services and reduces the financial burden on the district. Reimbursed funds are reinvested into the district to support initiatives such as staffing, assistive technology and classroom resources, professional development for educators and staff, and improvements to accessibility and inclusivity in learning environments.

The New Jersey School Based Health Services Program (NJSBHSP) operates under the guidance of the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Education and the New Jersey Division of Medicaid Assistance and Health Services. NJSBHSP operates completely separately from a family’s personal Medicaid benefits. Participation in NJSBHSP has zero impact on a family’s Medicaid coverage, benefits, or services.