School-Based ACCESS Program

Funds that are reimbursed from the federal Medicaid School-Based ACCESS Program (SBAP) for direct health-related services are kept in Local Education Agency (LEA) specific accounts at the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). To receive these funds, each LEA must complete the electronic form PDE-352 and submit it to the Bureau of Special Education (BSE) along with a short narrative explaining what the funds will be used for and how they will expand or enhance special education programs. The chief administrative officer must sign this form. Funds may be used to support the education of any special education student, not only those who are Medicaid eligible. Once the funds have been approved for disbursement, PDE-352 is sent to the Comptroller's office for processing. Funds are transferred to the LEA's local bank account approximately two months after the request is received by BSE. Narratives are filed along with copies of the PDE-352. Digital copies of form PDE-352 should be submitted by email to RA-EDSBAPFUNDING@pa.gov.

Do not send copies of invoices or purchase orders. Provide a general description of the items or services purchased and their effect on the special education program. If possible, bundle several small requests and submit on one form. It is more cost effective to process two or three large requests per year per school district than ten or twelve small ones. The Comptroller's office will not process requests that are under $1,000.00.

There are several restrictions on the use of ACCESS funds. They must be used within the special education program. They may not be used to supplant professional positions that the LEA has been supporting. They may not be transferred to the district general fund and used outside the special education program. The following list of acceptable uses of ACCESS money is a sampling.