Over the next couple of months, CCF will be collaborating with the Healthy Schools Campaign and Community Catalyst to host a series of webinars focused on opportunities to strengthen the role of Medicaid in schools. The series kicked off earlier this month with a webinar featuring former CMS Administrator Vikki Wacchino, who walked through what to expect in the school Medicaid landscape during 2023. With new federal guidance, a technical assistance center, and $50 million in grants to states all on the docket for this year, the webinar answered questions and provided concrete steps on what state leaders can do to prepare for upcoming opportunities related to school Medicaid. 

The next webinar will focus specifically on expanding Medicaid in schools utilizing “free care.” CCF will present an overview of how Medicaid benefits children and the ways in which federal Medicaid funds can be used to address the youth mental health crisis in schools. The Healthy Schools Campaign will also give a “free care 101,” and attendees will have the chance to hear firsthand experiences of states that have already expanded their school Medicaid programs to cover kids beyond those with special needs who have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Tune into the webinar on Thursday, March 2 at 2pm ET / 1pm CT. Registration is available here. 

The series will close out on April 6 at 2pm ET / 1pm CT with a discussion about bringing together school nurses, behavioral health providers, parents, advocates, and other stakeholders to actualize expanding school Medicaid programs. When open, registration for the third webinar will be available on the School Medicaid Matters 2023 Webinar Series event page. You can also view slides, recordings, and resources from past webinars on the event page. 

We look forward to you joining us for the remainder of the #SchoolMedicaidMatters series!