September 27, 2007
Conference SCHIP Bill Allows Funds to SBHCs

A 300-page compromise between the U.S. House and Senate on reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) that was approved by the House September 25 and was expected to pass the Senate yesterday includes language allowing states to use SCHIP funds for "items and services furnished through school-based health centers."  Specifically, the conference bill reads:
 
"Section 2103(c ) (42 U.S.C.1397(cc) c)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(8) AVAILABILITY OF COVERAGE FOR ITEMS AND SERVICES FURNISHED THROUGH SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CENTERS – Nothing in this title shall be construed as limiting a State's ability to provide child health assistance for covered items and services that are furnished through school-based health centers.”
 
President Bush has said he will veto the SCHIP bill because it authorizes more spending than the administration wants over the next five years, and it is expected that House Republicans will sustain the veto, meaning the bill in its present form may not become law.