FY24 A.I. Why Medicaid Funding Matters to Schools

Medicaid plays a crucial role in supporting schools by reimbursing states for medically necessary services provided to children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and in other specific situations. Medicaid is the third-largest funding stream for K-12 public schools.

In this session, our presenters, Margot Tracy from MassHealth and Emily Hall from UMass Med, will delve into the reasons why accessing the state's School Based Medicaid Program (SBMP) is essential. They will highlight how SBMP can support health-related staff positions, programming, and infrastructure that benefit all students, not just those with MassHealth.

As schools strive to recover from the pandemic, now is the opportune moment to re-engage with the SBMP. With historic infusions of funds like ESSER set to expire in 2024, it's crucial for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to maximize Medicaid funding. Leadership support is paramount for LEAs to take full advantage of these opportunities.

Participants in this session can expect to gain concrete next steps for strengthening their reimbursement programs and receive suggestions for advocating for equitable sharing of funding between municipalities and districts. Join us to explore how Medicaid funding can bolster school health services and support student well-being in your community.