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).

CLICK HERE FOR THE JUNE 2009 POLICY UPDATE

CLICK HERE FOR THE MAY 2009 POLICY UPDATE

CLICK HERE FOR THE APRIL 2009 POLICY UPDATE

CLICK HERE FOR THE FEBRUARY 2009 POLICY UDPATE

As the leader in federal SBHC policy, we promote the following policy initiatives:

_________________________________________________________________

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

_________________________________________________________________

SBHCS and the Obama Administration - Health Care Reform

NASBHC sent them a comprehensive letter, outlining the importance of SBHCs, making the case for federal support for SBHCs.
 
Click here to read NASBHC's letter to the Obama transition team
Click here to read Obama's 2005 letter to NASBHC
_________________________________________________________________

State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)

On February 4, 2009, President Obama signed the long-awaited SCHIP 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 SCHIP 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’ SCHIP programs, and to argue for reimbursement by SCHIP managed care plans. In states where the SCHIP program is part of the Medicaid program, it should be helpful in getting Medicaid provider status as well. Moreover, the language validating SBHCs as SCHIP 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 SCHIP

_______________________________________________________________

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.