The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has been urged by Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley to grant Oregon up to $2.5 million in planning funds to improve the state’s Medicaid-funded school health services. The senators, in a letter to CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, expressed their support for the Oregon Health Authority’s grant application.
The senators emphasized that the planning grant will help the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Education prepare schools to offer a comprehensive approach to the medical and behavioral health needs of students in 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, Senators Wyden and Merkley commended Oregon on its initiative to expand the use of Medicaid beyond individualized education programs and individualized service plans to cover a wide range of school health services for all Medicaid-enrolled students. They cited CMS’ 2014 initiative that allowed states to seek reimbursement for health services for all Medicaid-enrolled students as an example of how states can take advantage of this expanded eligibility.
In their letter, Senators Wyden and Merkley expressed optimism about the potential impact of these grants on improving the delivery of Medicaid-funded school health services in Oregon. They expressed confidence that with effective use of grant funds by the Oregon Health Authority, existing gaps in these services would be addressed.