A Federal Policy Agenda for SBHCsLinda Juszczak, Executive Director

NASBHCDecember12, 2009

NASBHC’s Federal Policy AgendaNASBHC’s Federal Policy Agenda

Create a federal grant program for SBHCs

Support reimbursement opportunities for SBHCs

Position SBHCs to receive support in federal legislation and in governmental agencies

The History of SBHC LegislationThe History of SBHC Legislation

The Healthy Schools Act of 2007 – 25 cosponsors in 110th Congress

The School-Based Health Clinic Act of 2007 – 49 cosponsors in 110th Congress

SBHC HRC PrinciplesSBHC HRC Principles

Quality of Care-Emphasis on quality care has primarily focused on adult care. There is a need to improve the quality of care for children and adolescents, particularly related to well-child services and care for chronically ill children.

Medical Home- Public health resources must be invested in SBHCs that provide access to patients without a medical home and toward SBHCs delivering ancillary care with the patient’s medical home. SBHCs must be included in the health information technology network.

SBHC HRC PrinciplesSBHC HRC Principles

Inter-Agency Collaboration-Senior department leadership should coordinate relationships with other federal agencies to align related programs.

Health Care Reform ProcessHealth Care Reform Process

House of Representatives “Tri-Committee” Bill developed jointly by

– Education and Labor– Energy and Commerce– Ways and Means

Result – America’s Affordable Health Care Choices Act (H.R. 3200)

Health Care Reform ProcessHealth Care Reform Process

House of RepresentativesAffordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962)Passed on November 7, 2009

Includes: Authorization of federal grant program Reimbursement for services covered under Medicaid

and CHIP Cost-based reimbursement for SBHCs funded under the

new grant program

Health Care Reform ProcessHealth Care Reform Process

Senate Two separate bills

– Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (H.E.L.P.) Committee

– Finance Committee

Result : The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

Health Care Reform ProcessHealth Care Reform ProcessSenatePatient Protection and Affordable Care ActDebate beginning today, vote likely by end of Dec.

Includes: Authorization of federal grant program Short-term appropriation for facilities and equipment Reimbursement NOT in the bill as introduced, but

expected as floor amendment.

Compare the billsCompare the bills

AS OF 11/24/09Authorization of Federal SBHC Grant Program

Reimbursement through

Public Insurance Programs

Cost-Based Reimbursement

Short-term Appropriation

HOUSE BILL

H.R. 3962

SENATE BILL

Bill Number TBA

Not in current bill, but expected to

be introduced as amendment on

Senate floor

Health Care Reform ProcessHealth Care Reform ProcessAfter Senate passage…

…Conference Committee: Representatives from House and Senate Reconcile differences in House and Senate bills

Then, back to each Chamber for passage of same bill.

Finally, President’s signature.

Deadline: State of the Union Address

After Passage…After Passage…

Appropriations:Advocate for $ for SBHC programs

Regulations:Work with HHS to design grant program

Other OpportunitiesOther Opportunities

The White HouseThe Agencies and Interagency

CollaborationColleague OrganizationsCHIPRA

Coming up:Education Policy

Challenges we are facingChallenges we are facing

Health care reform processChallenges regarding reproductive

healthMisunderstandings regarding parental

rightsWhere SBHCs fit in the medical home

concept

WE NEED YOU!!!WE NEED YOU!!!

Write letters, make phone calls, contribute to local media (interviews, op/eds and LTEs)

Get your Reps to a SBHC (again) Communicate with LEAs and principals Join NASBHC and get involved in its work