The Network’s policy activities advance access to quality health care for children and youth!

Engaging Policymakers

The Network is committed to educating and engaging local, state and federal decision makers on the importance of providing school-based health care and related issues. Each session we bring youth and adult advocates to Salem to meet with policymakers and rally for support. View photos of our advocacy activities and other events in our Gallery.

Success in the 2009 Legislative Session

Wins for Our Policy Agenda:
•    Since 2001, the Network has successfully advocated to increase state SBHC funding by $3.8 million, including $1.38 million in the 2009 budget, keeping existing centers open and growing the number of centers available to kids in Oregon
•    Ensured that SBHCs are eligible to apply for a grant program to provide health care to vulnerable children, allowing centers to continue to see children regardless of their insurance or immigration status
•    Worked with advocates to provide insurance to an additional 80,000 children and 35,000 adults in Oregon
•    Participated in a health care reform collaboration, which resulted in passage of legislation to reduce costs and improve health outcomes through prevention and wellness and by reimbursing providers differently
•    Collaborated with state and local health officials to review and change the state’s funding formula to make SBHC funding more equitable. (See the history of SBHC funding.)
•    United 100 advocates at the capitol on SBHC Day, including nearly 80 youth, to meet with legislators and tell their story about the needs in their community for quality, affordable health care
•    Collaborated with the Oregon School Nurses Association to brief legislators on the differences between School Nurses and SBHCs and to pass legislation to reduce the nurse to student ratio in schools
 

Examining SBHC Billing and Reimbursement

The Network is reviewing how to improve revenue collection in SBHC systems, which inherently challenge the traditional revenue cycle. This cycle depends on 1. Having an insured patient, 2. Identifying that insurance, and 3. Having the capacity at the local site to create a bill and follow up on the payment.

The Network engaged a public health consultant to conduct an analysis of the current revenue system and to make recommendations to improve reimbursements to SBHCs. Download the Billing and Reimbursement Report (pdf file).

The Network is currently talking to public and private insurers about revenue cycle and its relationship to SBHCs. Read the Status Report from the Septmeber 2008 meeting between the Network and managed care organizations.

Our goal is that SBHCs receive fair and full reimbursement for the services they provide. For more information on this process, please contact Liz Smith Currie, Policy Director.

Need Help Setting Up a Contract with a FCHP?

The Network is committed to helping SBHC systems to make connections to payors in their community. We’re working with Fully Capitated Health Plans (FCHPs) to find the appropriate people for SBHC systems to engage on contract and billing questions.

CareOregon
Stephanie Lowe, Credentialing Specialist – 503.416.3647

Family Care
Family Care Mental Health Claims
Julie Carpenter Addictions and Mental Health Program Manager
Phone: 503-345-5776
Fax:      503-345-5726

Family Care Physical Health Claims:
Destiny Cruz
Lead Claims Analyst
Phone: 503-471-2115
Fax:  503-471-2165

Click here for a complete list of contacts for Fully Capitated Health Plans and MCOs by county.
Click here for a list of Mental Health Organization contacts.
The Network may be able to help you if your site is having difficulty establishing a contract with an FCHP or MHO. Please call liz at 503-813-6440. 
 

Supporting the Safety Net

Safety Net clinics are community-based providers who offer health services to low-income people, including those without insurance or with other barriers to health care access. School-based health centers are recognized as part of Oregon's Safety Net by providing quality health care and overcoming barriers to medical home access. The Network supports ongoing efforts to provide funding sources for the entire safety net system. Jackie Rose, a Network Board member, sits on the state's Safety Net Advisory Council.

For more information and resources on how you can advocate for SBHCs, visit our Resources page.