“A Unique Moment” to Advance Medicaid-Funded School Health Services

November 21, 2022

“What a unique moment we’re in with respect to the ability to advance Medicaid services in schools,” Vikki Wachino, former deputy administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), told state Medicaid and education leaders this month.

Speaking at the HSPF Learning Collaborative bi-annual meeting, Wachino provided an update on federal policy encouraging states and school districts to expand access to Medicaid-funded school health services. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act provides a trifecta of new tools, including requiring CMS to issue new guidance making it easier for schools to provide Medicaid-covered services, the launch of a technical assistance center, and $50 million in state planning grants to support efforts on the ground.

Wacchino’s keynote was followed by panels on the policy choices early adopter states made in expanding school Medicaid, the importance of building strong partnerships with school districts and state Medicaid and education agencies, and the challenges of coordination and training. The second day included small-group breakout sessions that focused on providing CMS with feedback about the federal Medicaid technical assistance center that will launch in 2023.

There was also time for HSPF Learning Collaborative members to share their experiences in figuring out the best roadmap to increase Medicaid reimbursement for school health services and providers.

“There is so much momentum happening at the federal level this year,” said Jessie Mandle, HSC’s national program director. “This was a great opportunity for state teams to provide feedback. Together, we have an important role to play in shaping the future of school Medicaid.”

The meeting marked the 13th convening of the Learning Collaborative. More than 200 participants took part, representing two dozen states and the District of Columbia.

The meeting agenda is below and is also available to download.

Featured Speakers

November 15, 2022

Opening and Welcome
* Rochelle Davis, Healthy Schools Campaign
* Jessie Mandle, Healthy Schools Campaign

Federal Medicaid Policy Update
* Vikki Wachino, advisor to Healthy Schools Campaign, former deputy administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Phone-a-Friend: Profiles of HSPF States
… So you know who to call with a school health or school Medicaid question or problem
Moderator: Lena O’Rourke, Healthy Students, Promising Futures Learning Collaborative

Lessons from the “Early Adopters” of the “Free Care” Policy Reversal: HSPF States Examples
* Shannon Huska, Financing Unit Manager, Department of Health Care Policy & Financing, Colorado
* Kevin Bauer, School-Based Services Policy Specialist, Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan
* Elizabeth Duncan, Education Program Consultant, Department of Education, Louisiana
Moderator: Lena O’Rourke, Healthy Students, Promising Futures Learning Collaborative

Effective Training and Technical Assistance to Support School Medicaid Reimbursement
* Amy Edwards, Medicaid Specialist, Department of Education, Virginia
* Melissa Schoemmell, JSI Research and Training Institute, New Hampshire
* Kate Yager, Director of Medicaid, Chicago Public Schools
Moderator: Jessie Mandle, Healthy Schools Campaign

November 16, 2022

Welcome and Logistics
* Rochelle Davis, Healthy Schools Campaign
* Jessie Mandle, Healthy Schools Campaign

Part 2: Phone-a-Friend: Profiles of HSPF States
… So you know who to call with a school health or school Medicaid question or problem
Moderator: Lena O’Rourke, Healthy Students, Promising Futures Learning Collaborative

Successful Partnerships between LEA, SEA and State Medicaid
* Kyle Flood, Office of the State Superintendent of Education, Washington, D.C.
* Lee Collyer, Department of Education, Washington
* Dr. Jenny Millward, National Alliance for Medicaid in Education
* Dr. Sheri Coburn and Katie Nilsson, California School Nurses Organization
Moderator: Shawn Smith, Managed Care Oversight, TennCare, Tennessee

Small Group Listening Sessions with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on New Technical Assistance Center

Adjourn