Thune, Menendez Seek to Incentivize States to Address Behavioral Health Needs in Schools
Members of the Senate Finance Committee introduced the Children’s Health Insurance Program School Behavioral Health Incentive Act this week in an effort to incentivize states to develop health services to address behavioral health needs in schools.
The act, which was introduced by Sens. John Thune, R-S.D., and Bob Menendez, D-N.J., would provide funding to states to create behavioral health services in schools, especially ones that serve low-income communities.
States can already use CHIP to engage in activities to protect the public health of kids or expand the capacity of services in schools, but the act would provide greater funding flexibility.
“An option is already made available to [states] under CHIP, but one that’s not fully utilized. I am hopeful that with this extra flexibility, states will be empowered to find creative solutions to get students the support they need,” said Sen. Thune in a press release.
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