Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) meets with
Michigan delegation, including youth advisors, 2007

Advocacy at NASBHC

NASBHC advocates for national, state, and local policies, programs, and funding that sustain, grow, and integrate school-based health care into our nation’s health care and education systems. Because NASBHC’s advocacy power is derived from our national membership, we communicate with over 1700 SBHCs in over 43 states to broadcast the voice of the school-based health care community. Additionally, through organized statewide SBHC associations, NASBHC works cooperatively with 20 states to help advance federal, state, and local policy changes by providing training and resources (including our Action Center).

NASBHC has three legislative goals:

• To create a federal SBHC grant program to fund existing SBHCs and assist in opening new SBHCs
• To support reimbursement opportunities for SBHCs
• To position SBHCs to receive additional support in federal legislation and in governmental agencies

 

JANUARY 2010 POLICY UPDATE

NOVEMBER 2009 POLICY UPDATE

SEPTEMBER 2009 POLICY UPDATE

JULY 2009 POLICY UPDATE
_________________________________________________________________

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (economic stimulus package)

We continue to update our website as new materials are developed by our national partners, the Federal Government, and all of you. We have met with officials from both HRSA and the Dept. of Education, in conjunction with the Coalition for Community Schools, regarding opportunities for SBHCs within the purview of both departments. We are currently focusing on future funds coming from the Federal Government, specifically Title I, the innovation funds, and health information technology.  Visit the monthly policy updates (above) for more information.

We have heard from some of our 330 funded SBHCs that they have been included in their sponsoring organizations’ application for stimulus funds. Please let us know as you hear of these beneficiaries, as we’d like to keep track. We are heartened by these stories.

Click here for a summary of resources

_______________________________________________________________

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

On February 4, 2009, President Obama signed the long-awaited CHIP reauthorization legislation (H.R. 2, which became Public Law 111-003). Section 505 of the bill reflects a significant step forward for school-based health centers – the first explicit recognition of SBHCs as a potential provider of CHIP services. The provision clarifies that a state may “…provide child health assistance for covered items and services that are furnished through school-based health centers.” The provision also establishes a NASBHC-crafted definition of “school-based health center” for purposes of the SCHIP program. (Language below.)

What does this language mean as a practical matter? The language empowers SBHCs to seek provider status in their states’ CHIP programs, and to argue for reimbursement by CHIP managed care plans. In states where the CHIP program is part of the Medicaid program, it should be helpful in getting Medicaid provider status as well. Moreover, the language validating SBHCs as CHIP providers, and the existence of a statutory definition, should ease the way for establishment of federal laws and regulations to ensure that SBHCs are reimbursed by government programs, and possibly, for the creation of a federal grant program for SBHCs.

Click here to see the SBHC language included in CHIP

_______________________________________________________________

School-based health center federal grant program

A federally authorized program is the first step in ensuring the long-term sustainability of SBHCs. NASBHC has taken the first step with "The School-Based Health Clinic Establishment Act of 2007."  We are pursuing a reintroduction of this bill in the 111th Congress.  Learn more about the legislation and how you can get involved. 

_________________________________________________________________

School Health Policies

NASBHC supports legislation that advances medical and mental health care in schools. We provide support to the legislation through organizational letters of support, coalition activity and actions as needed.  Learn more about the policies.

_________________________________________________________________