Advancing Student Behavioral Health and Substance Use Prevention Services: Understanding How School Medicaid Works in Your State

December 15, 2025

Healthy Schools Campaign developed state fact sheets detailing the types of school-based health services and the providers eligible for Medicaid reimbursement. Prepared for all 50 states and Washington, D.C., they note whether the state has expanded its school Medicaid program to include coverage of health services delivered outside of a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

This explainer outlines the key sections of the fact sheets and suggests questions to assess how effectively your state is maximizing Medicaid funding for student health services. While it emphasizes the inclusion of behavioral health and substance use prevention services, it can help identify other gaps in school health services and pinpoint where states could best align Medicaid-reimbursable services with those provided in the school setting.