The Relentless School Nurse: Thank you NASN & the 64 Organizations of the Medicaid in Schools Coalition!

Sharing an important letter (linked here), signed by the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) along with 64 organizations and allies of the Medicaid in Schools Coalition. It was submitted to Congress on February 17, 2025, as an urgent appeal to our lawmakers to protect Medicaid from the proposed cuts. Medicaid plays a vital role in supporting the health and educational success of vulnerable children, particularly those with disabilities and those living in poverty. It provides over $7.5 billion annually for school-based services, including school nursing services for students with disabilities, mental health support, and vital ancillary services like speech, physical, and occupational therapies in schools.

These services are not only essential for improving health outcomes but also critical for enhancing educational opportunities. By ensuring access to necessary healthcare, Medicaid helps students attend school regularly and perform better academically. Research shows that students covered by Medicaid are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college compared to those without coverage.

Deepest appreciation to NASN for signing onto this important letter. Their commitment to advocating for the health and well-being of students is notable. NASN’s involvement highlights the critical role that school nurses play in delivering these essential services and underscores the urgency to preserve Medicaid funding to support our work.

The cuts would certainly reduce care for children with disabilities, undermine efforts to address the mental health crisis, and exacerbate workforce shortages of school health providers. This would lead to a decrease in services for all students, not just those with disabilities. Additionally, the proposed cuts would shift significant financial burdens to states, potentially leading to increased local taxes or cuts in other state-funded programs, including education. This could disproportionately affect low-income and rural districts, which rely heavily on Medicaid funding.

The coalition’s efforts reflect a broader advocacy push by education and healthcare groups to highlight Medicaid’s critical role in supporting student health and academic success. By emphasizing the importance of preserving Medicaid, these organizations aim to ensure that every child has access to the healthcare services necessary for their well-being and educational success.

The involvement of NASN and other organizations underscores the need for sustained federal support for Medicaid to maintain comprehensive school health services. Together, we can make sure that all children have the opportunity to thrive in a healthy and supportive environment. NASN’s dedication to this cause is a testament to their unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our nation’s children, and I am grateful for their tireless advocacy.