The Vital Role of Medicaid and School-Based Health Centers for Michigan Youth

More than a quarter of young people in Michigan have at least one diagnosed mental health condition — underscoring the critical role school-based health centers (SBHCs) play in meeting the growing demand for timely, accessible care.

SBHCs are trusted, community-based hubs offering essential physical and mental health services right where students are: at school. As noted in a recent League policy brief, more than 300 SBHCs operate across Michigan through partnerships between schools and “sponsoring agencies,” such as federally qualified health centers, hospitals, local public health departments, and other clinical providers who deliver care directly to students at or near school.

By offering care on-site, SBHCs provide a convenient place for youth to access services while also helping families avoid missed work hours and logistical challenges — especially for parents and guardians who work far from home and would otherwise need to leave work, transport their child to an off-site appointment, and then return them to school.

Because Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are the largest sources of health coverage for children — together covering more than 37 million nationwide and about 1 in 3 children in Michigan — and because Medicaid is the nation’s largest payer of children’s behavioral health services, it’s impossible to talk about youth mental health or school-based health centers (SBHCs) without talking about Medicaid. Medicaid ensures children have access to preventive care, mental health services, treatment for illness and more. Together, SBHCs and Medicaid remove barriers to care, helping children stay healthy, succeed academically and thrive.

This intersection of public education, school-based health services and Medicaid creates a powerful opportunity to strengthen support for Michigan’s youth. This includes helping uninsured students enroll in coverage they may be eligible for, such as Medicaid and CHIP. By leveraging their trusted, ongoing relationships with students and parents, SBHCs are uniquely positioned to assist families with navigating enrollment. This work not only strengthens children’s access to care, but also stabilizes the funding SBHCs need to continue providing essential services.

While schools and SBHCs are doing their part to support student health, serious threats loom at the federal level. Congress is rushing to slash Medicaid funding, and these cuts — and others disguised as “simple” administrative changes — would be devastating to the children and families who rely on Medicaid every day.

Past efforts to expand access to health care — from broadening eligibility to simplifying enrollment — have made coverage possible for millions of children. Rolling back those achievements would make it harder for families to enroll, stay enrolled and access the care they need. For youth, that could mean worsening health, more missed school days and diminished academic performance.

Now more than ever, we must defend Medicaid and ensure every eligible child has a seamless path to coverage. That means supporting policies that simplify enrollment, preserve eligibility and invest in community-based strategies — like those led by SBHCs — to connect families with the care they need and deserve.

Medicaid is more than a health insurance program. It’s an investment in the future of Michigan’s children — in their health, their education and their ability to thrive. Protecting and strengthening Medicaid means protecting our schools, our communities and the promise of a healthier tomorrow for every kid in Michigan.