Statement on Governor Hochul’s Veto A8862/S7840
‘The entire school-based health center (SBHC) field is deeply dismayed by Governor Hochul’s decision to veto this critical legislation to enable SBHCs to remain in Medicaid fee-for-service (FFS) permanently.”
“With this decision, the Governor has ignored the universally held position by all who provide and support SBHCs that forcing the field into Medicaid managed care, now in approximately 100 days on April 1, 2025, will decimate this highly unique and irreplaceable safety net for our most underserved children and their families.”
“Even the health plans oppose the shift of SBHCs to managed care acknowledging that its unique model of care does not fit with their care coordination and services plans provide. The Governor received hundreds of letters from SBHCs, hospitals, clinics, health and education providers, unions, legislators and others warning of the dire consequences that managed care would cause for SBHCs. We will continue to work with our tireless champions including Senate and Assembly Health Committee Chairs and bill sponsors, Senator Gustavo Rivera and Assemblymember Amy Paulin to continue this fight to remain in Medicaid FFS in order to protect access to essential health, mental health, dental, reproductive health, gender affirming care and other services for our most vulnerable children in New York State.”
Sarah Murphy is Executive Director of the New York School-Based Health Alliance.
