Schools are more than just places for learning—they’re also important hubs for children’s health care. To help more students get the care they need, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently awarded grants to 18 states. These grants, totaling up to $2.5 million per state over three years, will help schools provide essential health services through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This is especially crucial for students who need mental health support, which is becoming more available right where they spend most of their day—at school.
Why This Matters: Medicaid and CHIP are government programs that help millions of families access health care. Schools play a unique role in these programs by offering health services directly to students. This can include everything from routine check-ups to mental health care. By offering these services on-site, schools can ensure that kids get the help they need without having to miss school or find transportation to a doctor’s office.
How Schools Are Involved:
- Enrolling Students in Medicaid: Schools can help eligible students and their families sign up for Medicaid or CHIP
- Providing Health Services: Schools can offer various health services, like screenings, treatments, and mental health support, and get reimbursed by Medicaid.
- Supporting At-Risk Students: Schools can provide extra services to students who are at risk, helping to ensure they stay healthy and ready to learn.
- Reducing Emergency Room Visits: By addressing health issues early, schools can help prevent more serious problems that might otherwise lead to a trip to the ER.
New Grants for Schools: In June 2024, CMS announced grants for 18 states to expand these school-based services. These funds are part of a broader effort to ensure that every child can access the health care they need, regardless of their location. The grants fall into three categories:
- Implementation: For states just starting to expand school-based Medicaid services.
- Expansion: For states that are adding new services beyond those required by education plans.
- Enhancement: For states that have already expanded services and are continuing to improve them.
States Receiving Grants Include:
- Alaska
- Delaware
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Helping States Get Ready: To support these efforts, CMS has released tools like the Medicaid School-Based Services Readiness Checklist, which helps states prepare to expand their programs. There’s also an updated FAQ section that answers common questions about how schools can work with Medicaid to provide health services.
Conclusion: This initiative is a big step in kids get the care they need at school. By partnering with Medicaid and CHIP, schools can play a crucial role in keeping students healthy, reducing absences, and supporting their overall well-being. As these grants roll out, millions of children across the country will have better access to the health services they need to thrive.
Resources:
To view more information you can visit Medicaid. GOV
