Illinois Receives Federal Approval to Expand Access to School Health Services

We are pleased to share that Illinois received federal approval to expand access to school health services. This will amount to a major increase in funding for school health programs throughout Illinois.

Under the terms of this state plan amendment (SPA) approved April 18, Illinois school districts can now seek federal reimbursement for all Medicaid-covered school-based health services, including expanded mental healthcare services, provided to all students enrolled in Medicaid. 

In addition, schools can receive reimbursement for Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) services.

For more information, read our press release.

HSC advocated for this change and has been working with school districts around the state to prepare for the SPA approval and to better understand the support that districts need. We look forward to continuing these efforts and working with the Illinois State Board of Education and Department of Health and Family Services to implement this policy change.

Illinois is the 19th state to expand its school Medicaid program, and with increased federal support, more states are expected to do so in the coming years. HSC leads the Healthy Students, Promising Futures Learning Collaborative, helping states and school districts expand school Medicaid programs and advancing federal policies to support sustainable funding for school health services.

Illinois’ approval marks an important milestone in HSC’s work to expand access to school-based healthcare — including physical, behavioral and mental health services – for all students, and a significant step toward health equity. 

We look forward to sharing more information over the coming months!