Mountain State Times

The West Virginia Department of Human Services, in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Education, has secured a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to implement Medicaid and CHIP school-based services. This initiative is part of 18 grants awarded by HHS through its Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Cindy Beane, Commissioner of the DoHS Bureau for Medical Services, stated, “This grant will enable us to provide essential health services directly within the school environment, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive both academically and personally.” She emphasized that integrating healthcare into schools aims to remove barriers to access and invest in the future of West Virginia’s children.

West Virginia is set to receive at least $2.5 million over three years dedicated to implementing school-based health services through Medicaid and CHIP. These funds are intended to support efforts by BMS to connect more children with critical healthcare services, particularly mental health care.

Sheila Paitsel, Director of Special Education at the West Virginia Department of Education, noted that “schools offer a special platform for delivering comprehensive healthcare services to children.” She highlighted that these resources allow children to remain in school while receiving necessary care ranging from preventative and behavioral healthcare to physical care.

School-based services are crucial for children's health and well-being as they offer an opportunity for early identification of health needs and facilitate access to a range of healthcare services including behavioral health resources.

Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Administrator for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, remarked on the importance of these funded services: “The school-based services that this funding supports are crucial to the well-being and development of children.” She pointed out that this funding underlines an essential partnership between CMS and schools aimed at reducing disparities and promoting achievement among youth. With Medicaid and CHIP covering more than 39 million children nationwide, CMS is committed to investing in programs supporting children's future success.

For more information on West Virginia's Medicaid and CHIP programs visit dhhr.wv.gov/bms/Pages/default.aspx or chip.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx.