Related Experiment Videos
Key issues affecting school-based health centers and Medicaid
J G Lear1, L L Montgomery, J J Schlitt
1Making the Grade: State and Local Partnerships to Establish School-Based Health Centers, Washington, DC 20036, USA.
The Journal of School Health
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Securing long-term funding for school-based health centers is crucial. Exploring patient care revenue can provide a sustainable financial strategy for these vital community resources.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Public Health Policy
- Healthcare Finance
Background:
- Public support for school-based health centers (SBHCs) has grown significantly.
- The number of SBHCs has increased from 200 in 1990 to nearly 700.
- Many SBHCs lack sustainable long-term funding mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the critical issue of long-term financial sustainability for school-based health centers.
- To explore patient care revenue as a potential funding component for SBHCs.
- To inform state governments and SBHC administrators on funding strategies.
Main Methods:
- The article examines the financial challenges faced by SBHCs.
- It analyzes the potential of patient care revenue streams.
- Policy considerations for state governments and SBHCs are discussed.
Main Results:
- A substantial number of SBHCs are at risk of service and staffing cuts due to funding instability.
- Patient care revenue is presented as a viable option for long-term financial support.
- The need for stable funding mechanisms is highlighted.
Conclusions:
- Developing stable funding mechanisms is essential for the continued operation of SBHCs.
- Integrating patient care revenue can enhance the financial viability of SBHCs.
- Policy interventions are needed to support the long-term sustainability of school-based health services.