The bill, called the Hallways to Health Act, aims to boost access to healthcare through SBHCs by incorporating health workers and telehealth services into the schooling model. It also provides technical assistance plans to help improve care in medically underserved areas. Additionally, the bill would make sure all public health insurance programs reimburse SBHC providers for services covered by Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
“School-Based Health Centers help ensure that all children have access to health and mental healthcare services,” said. Ms. Capps. “As a school nurse, I have seen firsthand the link between health status and educational outcomes. School-based health centers are an important tool to keep kids healthy, in the classroom and learning. These centers are often the only access students have to vital health services and they help ensure students get the care they need when they need it.”
According to said John Schlitt, president of the School-Based Health Alliance, the introduction of the legislation is a monumental step for Congress toward increasing access to primary care and mental health services for the country’s most vulnerable children and adolescents.
The bill is listed as S.2590 in the Senate and H.R. 4621 in the House of Representatives.
More articles on healthcare legislation:
Conn. legislation proposes capping nonprofit hospital CEO pay at $500k
Senators push for law to help support opioid-addicted parents
What is the cost of Kansas rejecting Medicaid expansion?
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
