New Federal Grants Will Help with Access to School-Based Health Services through Medicaid and CHIP

On January 24th, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced $50 million in grants to support states in implementing and expanding the use of school-based health services for the 39 million children covered by Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This new opportunity will increase access to critical health care services, including mental health care, in schools.While all states cover eligible Medicaid and CHIP services for students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), according to CMS, only 16 states have elected to cover school-based health services for all children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP. Expanding coverage to more school-based services requires significant planning, staffing, coordination, and infrastructure development, which can all be supported through the newly announced grants.This funding builds on recent federal efforts, including updated CMS Guidance and a new Technical Assistance Center, to support and expand the delivery of school-based services and reduce the administrative burden for states and schools.Twenty states will receive funding through this grant opportunity. Ten grants are intended for states that have not expanded coverage for school-based services to all children, and the remaining 10 grants are for states that have already begun expanding coverage.Applications for the grant are due March 25, 2024. More information can be found on Grants.gov.

Aurrera Health Group’s Capabilities

Is your state considering strategies to expand access to school health services through Medicaid and CHIP? Aurrera Health Group works with state and federal agencies as well as national partners focused on school-based health to evaluate school Medicaid policies and provide strategic guidance for projects to increase access to Medicaid health services in schools and school-based health centers.If you are interested in learning more about our services and approach, please reach out to Lauren Block.

Liz Stein [Senior Policy Consultant]