If the parents agree to use private insurance, when must a district obtain consent?
a. A school may use parents’ private insurance only with the parents’ informed consent, each time the school seeks to use their insurance. The school must tell parents that their refusal to consent to the use of their private insurance does not relieve the school of its obligation to provide services. The comments to the federal regulations under the IDEA add that parents may not be aware of potential future consequences resulting from the use of their insurance. Accordingly, schools should inform parents of potential consequences, such as exceeding a cap on benefits, and encourage parents to check with their insurance provider before giving consent.
