Fact Sheets - Texas

SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CENTERS IN TEXAS

In 1999/2000, Texas reported 70 school-based health centers, a decrease of 7 in the last two years. In 1997-98 the state reported allocating over $1.4 million to support the center-related activities, almost all of which came from the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant or Title V program. However, 1999/2000 saw a significant drop in state funding; centers now receive only $125,000. They are allowed to bill Medicaid for some costs. More than half of the centers in the state are located in elementary schools.
 
Descriptive Data


SBHCs with primary care providers Types of schools housing SBHCs Location of SBHCs

State Policies

Table I: Policies Regarding Third Party Payments for SBHC Services
SBHCs are eligible for services under fee-for-service Medicaid Yes
SBHCs are eligible for services under fee-for-service SCHIP Yes
State policy specifically prohibits SBHCs from billing Medicaid No
State requires through law, managed care contracts or regulations that Medicaid managed care provider networks inlcude SBHCs No
State encourages through law, mangaed care contracts or regulations that Medicaid managed care provider networks include SBHCs No
State prohibits SBHCs from being paid for care provided to Medicaid managed care beneficiaries No
State requires through law, managed care contracts or regulations that SCHIP managed care provider networks inlcude SBHCs No
State encourages through law, mangaed care contracts or regulations that SCHIP managed care provider networks include SBHCs No



Table II: Programs and Policies that Support SBHCs
Is there a program unit which is responsible for providing technical assistance to communities interested in SBHCs? Yes
Does this office administer a grant program that supports SBHCs? Yes
Does the state have targeting guidelines for state-funded SBHCs? No
Has the state established operating standards for SBHCs? No
Are SBHCs licensed by state health licensing authority? Yes


Table III: SBHCs and Managed Care Experience
Do any SBHCs in the state have contracts with managed care plans? No
Do any SBHCs participate in commercial plans? No
Does state law permit nurse practitioners to participate in managed care provider networks as primary care providers? Yes

 

Table IV: SBHCs and Community Support
Has the state health department or education agency sponsored polls or organized focus groups to identify public intersts or concerns regarding SBHCs? No
Has the state agency been asked to provide inforamtion on how to start, operate, or fund a SBHC? Yes
Has the state agency been contacted by persons who were worried about the opening of SBHCs in their communities? Yes
Has the agency been contacted by persons opposed to the opening of SBHCs in the State? No
Do SBHCs assess parent and/or student satisfaction with their services? Yes

 

State Funds for SBHCs for School Year 1999/2000

Title V MCH Block Grant
(state directed dollars)		 $125,000


Source: National Survey of School-Based Health Centers 2000,
Making the Grade

Contact Information:

Dr. Ruth Andersen
School Health Program Specialist
Texas Department of Health
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756
Phone: 512/458/7111, ext. 3014
Fax: 512/458/7256

Jenni Jennings
President
Texas Assembly on School-Based
Health Care
c/o School Based Clinics/Youth & Family
Dallas Public Schools
PO Box 4967
Dallas, TX 75208
Phone: 214/951/8669
Fax: 214/951/9158
Email: jjennings@popi.net

 Related Links:

Texas Department of Health
http://www.tdh.state.tx.us