Senators Urge Federal Officials to Award Planning Grant to Enhance School-Based Health Services in Oregon.

Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have urged federal officials to consider awarding Oregon a planning grant of up to $2.5 million to enhance school-based health services funded by Medicaid in the state. In a letter addressed to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the senators expressed their support for the Oregon Health Authority’s grant application.

The senators emphasized that the planning grant would assist the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Education in preparing schools to offer a comprehensive approach to students’ medical and behavioral health needs within the school environment. They also highlighted the importance of providing technical assistance, training, and community engagement to support school districts and local education agencies.

Furthermore, the senators 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. They referenced CMS’s 2014 initiative to allow states to seek Medicaid reimbursement for health services for all students enrolled in Medicaid.

In their letter to CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, the senators expressed optimism about the potential impact of the 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 the delivery of these services.