SB 1355 - This act requires the state, subject to appropriations, to participate in the Infant and Toddler Program pursuant to Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The following is a summary of the sections of the act:

SECTION 160.850 - The state shall provide early intervention services to eligible infants and toddlers. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education shall be responsible for implementing and promulgating rules for Part C of IDEA through the First Steps program.

SECTION 160.855 - The Department must maintain a statewide birth- to-age-three system of early intervention services and shall be administered through the First Steps program. The system shall compile data on eligible children and their families and shall include a comprehensive child-find and public awareness program.

SECTION 160.860 - Any funds appropriated to the Department for these services shall not be used to relieve a public or private source of their obligation to pay for services. Federal funds must be used whenever necessary to prevent a delay in the receipt of services. Providers shall submit requests for payment to the First Steps program and where applicable, the program shall seek reimbursement from public and private payers. The Department must promulgate rules concerning the cost and fees for family participation in early intervention services. Fees will not be applied to any family who is unable to pay and they will receive the services at no cost. In addition, certain services will always be provided to families at no cost. Any moneys generated by family participation in early intervention services shall be deposited in the "First Steps Fund".

SECTION 160.865 - The First Steps program may be required to pay insurance deductibles and co-payments for approved services as an incentive to access the family's insurance.

SECTION 160.870 - The "First Steps Fund" is created in the State Treasury and any moneys deposited into the fund shall be used solely for the First Steps program.

SECTION 376.1223 - Certain health care policies must provide coverage to reimburse the First Steps program for early intervention services provided to eligible children and their families. The coverage shall be limited annually to $3,000 per child, with a maximum of $9,000 over the three years that the child is eligible for the program. Early intervention services shall be provided pursuant to an individualized family service plan and will be deemed medically necessary. The First Steps program shall be considered the rendering provider of these services.
LORIE TOWE