Providing Health Services during School Closures: Lessons Learned + Recommendations for Action

Healthy Schools Campaign. 2545 West Diversey Avenue Suite 214, Chicago, IL 60647. Tel: 312-419-1810; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: https://healthyschoolscampaign.org/

N

22

Kaiser Permanente
William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)

COVID-19; Pandemics; Access to Health Care; School Closing; Barriers; State Policy; Public Policy; Federal Government; Health Insurance; Government Role; School Health Services; Financial Support; State Government; School Districts; Educational Legislation; Federal Legislation; Equal Education; Students with Disabilities; Delivery Systems; Telecommunications; Informed Consent; Parents; Privacy

United States; California; Oregon; Virginia

When the novel coronavirus forced school buildings to close, causing a massive disruption in the delivery of these services, it exposed the extent to which schools function as an essential component of a comprehensive health system, particularly for children in low-income communities. In response to the closures, state and federal decision-makers implemented policy and regulatory adjustments to ensure school-based health providers are permitted to deliver services remotely, and that payment systems, including Medicaid, are in place for reimbursement. Administrative, technological and regulatory barriers were promptly identified and addressed on a state-by-state basis. School districts did their best, but the results were inconsistent and incomplete. Six months later, states faced a series of new challenges--and new pressure on old challenges--as schools moved to reopen. This issue brief examines the role of state and federal policies in supporting school health services during the pandemic, including how state Medicaid programs are responding to ensure reimbursement and funding. It documents emerging best practices and key lessons learned thus far, and it offers recommendations for immediate action and future planning. [This brief was produced with generous support from the School Health Corporation.]

ERIC

2022

ED617414