STATEHOUSE (Feb. 28, 2019) — A bill authored by State Sen. Andy Zay (R-Huntington) that would allow the Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services (FSSA) to apply to amend the state’s Medicaid plan to provide reimbursement for healthcare services provided in school-based health centers recently passed the Senate by a vote of 37 to 12.
Senate Bill 437 would allow schools to better leverage federal dollars to address health concerns facing students and staff, including mental health, substance abuse and socio-emotional learning.
SB 437 would require any increase in the state’s share of expenditures for school-based services to be covered through intergovernmental transfers, meaning the bill is budget neutral.
“The well-being and health of Hoosiers is important to me, and ensuring students, faculty and staff receive the care they need is vital,” Zay said. “This legislation would give schools another tool in the toolbox to address the health of their students and even their staff. Research shows students perform better when they are healthy and receiving the services they need, and I hope this bill will help push Indiana’s K-12 system forward.”
SB 437 will now move to the House of Representatives for consideration.
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For a high-resolution photo of Zay, click here.
