~ Health Plans Enter Schools ~

A new public-private partnership will "target social, emotional and health hurdles that can trip up poor children." (St. Paul Pioneer Press, 12/19/96) Initial cost: $27 million.

"Achievement Plus...a mostly taxpayer-funded partnership...would offer wide-ranging health, recreational and social service programs." Money for extended-day and extended-year activities--about $1000 per student--"eventually will become part of continuing public support [taxes]"

In a similar program in Minneapolis the Anderson School Project has received funding from four managed care organizations (Allina, HealthPartners, MHP, and UCare) for their Health Center. According to Judie Cutler, Coordinator, at a recent Hennepin County Safety Net conference, the $100,000 for the first year will fund a pediatric nurse practitioner, a medical case manager, a medical assistant, a person for community outreach, and peer-parent relationships. "We want to be a hub for other schools in close proximity."

When discussing the school's Technology Center for a medical and social services network, she said, "We're bringing medicine into a large system and we talk about confidentiality. That's tough. We've got all the power struggles in the world." 

Used with permission.

© The CCHC Update, Winter 1997, Citizens for Choice in Health Care