Expansions in school-based behavioral health services can improve students’ mental health outcomes
Recent years have seen an increase in reported mental health issues and substance use disorders among young people. In fact, the problem has become so severe that several organizations dedicated to the treatment of children have come together to declare a national state of emergency in children’s mental health. While many agree something should be done to combat this epidemic, there are differing opinions about how to implement and fund these services.
A recent survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) explores one possible solution—using Medicaid funds to expand school-based behavioral health services for adolescents. Although this is not a new tactic (in 2014, nearly nine in ten school-based health centers reported billing Medicaid), new legislation and the increase in mental health issues among adolescents have caused many states to examine and renew their efforts.
The survey by KFF shows states are approaching this issue in various ways, including soliciting the support of local education agencies to help promote school-based behavioral health services, expanding Medicaid reimbursement for children without Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), incorporating crisis services and increasing reimbursements for school-based providers. Regardless of the method, school-based behavioral health services can improve access to care, support early identification and treatment of mental health issues and promote better outcomes for students.
However, valid concerns are raised about provider shortages and inadequate funding. In response, legislation has been passed at the federal level that expands these services, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued guidance on providing behavioral healthcare to students. The Safer Communities Act of 2022 provisions $50 million in planning grants to states to create and/or build out school-based health services, as well as increased CMS oversight of the Medicaid Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit. Additionally, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, passed in December 2022, includes requirements for states to implement 12 months of continuous eligibility for children in Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and also requires state Medicaid and CHIP programs to maintain updated provider network directories that include behavioral health providers participating in Medicaid. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, efforts are being made at the state and federal levels to address the matter of adolescent mental health, and Medicaid-supported, school-based care is a key piece of this multifaceted solution.
At FEI, we’re here to help. Our Blue Compass behavioral health case management solution facilitates streamlined management of state and local behavioral health initiatives, including school-based programs. Today, our modular platform supports behavioral health screenings, prevention programs and case management for vulnerable students, as well as assists dozens of other state and local agencies in tracking treatment and prevention initiatives, billing and funds management, assessments and case management.