As Senate debates healthcare, Chesapeake schools chief warns about impact of Medicaid cuts
"A school's primary responsibility is to provide students with a high-quality education, but children cannot learn to their fullest potential with unmet health needs," Roberts wrote recently in a letter to
The
The debate includes different ideas, but a potential Medicaid cut is causing concern. School divisions in
Opponents of the existing Affordable Care Act argue replacing it would eliminate burdensome mandates and taxes and decrease premiums.
President
But a significant reduction in Medicaid reimbursements could prevent certain positions from being filled, Roberts wrote. Specialized school personnel provide critical health services to make sure all children are ready to learn, he added.
"If you're cutting the amount, flexibility is not going to make up the difference," he said in an interview last month.
Roberts argues that providing services for students in poverty or with disabilities is a good investment because it enables more of them to become employed and attend college.
"The Medicaid reimbursements are critical," he said. "Don't tamper with it."
___
(c)2017 The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Va.)
Visit The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Va.) at pilotonline.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Corker, Alexander part ways on health care overhaul vote
Alexander, Corker take opposite sides on repealing Obamacare without a replacement plan
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News