Medicaid Expansion in Chicago Public Schools: A Mixed-Methods Study (Poster 3)

• In Event: Division H Graduate Student Research Showcase

Abstract

This research project focuses on understanding the barriers and facilitators in the implementation of the Medicaid State Plan Amendment (SPA) in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) during School Year 2023-2024. The project examines how the implementation of this school Medicaid policy shapes investments in school mental health services, such as hiring
school clinicians, and how this investment impacts mental health service use among K-12 students in CPS. The Illinois SPA, passed in April 2023, expands the ability of schools to seek
reimbursement from Medicaid for a wider range of “medically necessary” services provided in
the school setting.

Author

• Caroline Kelly, University of Chicago