About the Project
Improving Student Health by Boosting Medicaid Engagement
There is an ongoing health crisis in the community college sector. Exacerbated by the pandemic, the crisis has resulted in high rates of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, food insecurity, and more. Colleges often struggle to address these needs. Fewer than half of students experiencing a mental health condition receive mental health services.
Community colleges play a key role in the delivery of health services to students. But even though many community colleges offer student health services, only a small fraction bill Medicaid for any of the eligible services they offer.
Every college should have access to Medicaid funds in order to ensure student health and well-being. Increasing colleges’ participation in and optimal use of Medicaid to offset costs and generate recurring federal revenues can help remove healthcare access as a barrier to postsecondary completion and build the capacity of institutions to sustain student health funding.
Comprehensive Database
We are building a first-of-its kind national database that will quantify community college participation in Medicaid.
Online Data Platform
We are developing an online data platform that will enable college administrators and policy makers to view each community college's Medicaid reimbursement data, and create scenario-based projections for potential future revenues.
National Report
We are compiling a national report that will describe the current landscape of community college participation in Medicaid, and that will identify considerations for policy and practice to increase community college participation in Medicaid.
Process
