Senators Wyden and Merkley Urge Federal Officials to Fund Expanded School-Based Health Services in Oregon

Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Education are currently seeking a planning grant of up to $2.5 million from federal officials to enhance school-based health services funded by Medicaid in the state. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have expressed their support for this grant application, highlighting the importance of providing technical assistance, training, and community engagement to support school districts and local education agencies.

The senators emphasized that this grant would assist in preparing schools to offer a comprehensive approach to students’ medical and behavioral health needs within the school environment. They also commended Oregon for taking the initiative to expand the use of Medicaid to cover a wide range of health services in schools beyond those listed in individualized education programs and individualized service plans.

CMS’s 2014 initiative allowed states to seek Medicaid reimbursement for health services for all students enrolled in Medicaid, and Senators Wyden and Merkley referenced this initiative as an example of how Oregon is taking advantage of expanded Medicaid coverage to improve school-based health services.

In their letter addressed to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, the senators expressed optimism about the potential impact of this grant funding on enhancing the provision of Medicaid-funded school-based health services in Oregon. They expressed confidence that the Oregon Health Authority would effectively utilize the grant funding to address existing gaps in these services.

Overall, Senators Wyden and Merkley urged federal officials to consider awarding Oregon this planning grant, which they believe will significantly improve school-based health services funded by Medicaid in the state.