What is the EPSDT Program?
EPSDT stands for Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment. Service coordination for children is available through the EPSDT Service Coordination (ESC) program and the Idaho Infant Toddler program. ESC is one of many EPSDT services in Idaho. The EPSDT program is available to all children, from birth to age 21, who are Medicaid-eligible. The EPSDT program provides periodic screening and treatment of Medicaid eligible children for early detection of medical or developmental problems. The EPSDT program emphasizes early assessment of children’s health, dental, vision, and hearing needs with free periodic screening.
EPSDT Service Coordinators help families with children who have special needs find and coordinate services their children need, such as health, educational, early intervention, advocacy and social services.
To be eligible for ESC, children must have at least one of the following:
A developmental delay or disability
Special health care needs
A severe emotional disorder
The need for service coordination must be identified during an EPSDT screen by a primary health care provider or physician, who is also the Healthy Connections physician if the child is enrolled in Healthy Connections. Documentation of the screen and a physician’s order for ESC is required to complete application for ESC Coordination is available through the Idaho Infant and Toddler Program. Regional Developmental Disabilities staff completes the initial intake and provide interim service coordination until the family selects a service coordinator.
Interim service coordination includes:
Educating the family about the Infant Toddler Program;
Explaining the evaluation process;
Explaining the family’s role as a participant on the multidisciplinary team;
Explaining and reviewing the procedural safeguards;
Providing support and resource information on service options;
Facilitating the initial Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP);and
Assisting the family with selection of ongoing service coordinator.
How can I learn more about the EPSDT Program?
To find out more information about this program, contact your local Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Developmental Disabilities office.
Online, visit the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s web site. Click Here.
By phone, you can call the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-800-926-2588 to get the contact information of your local Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Developmental Disabilities office.
You can search for your local Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Developmental Disabilities office contact information in the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine online database.