School-Based Health Centers

Medical institutions run the School-based health centers. This includes local hospitals, medical centers, and community-based health organizations. School-based health center medical staff are not Boston Public Schools (BPS) employees. But, staff go through the same security checks as BPS employees.

We strongly encourage you enroll your child, but it is not mandatory. Enrolling your child will ensure they have access to quality, comprehensive health care. Health centers are located within the school building to ensure minimal disruption to your child's school day. This also reduces your time away from work.

Health centers can provide emergency care and first aid if your child is not enrolled.

School-Based Health Centers provides services to your child at no cost to you, regardless of insurance status. Health centers can bill insurance for services. But, there are no copays for you, and you do not receive a bill for health center services.

No. School-Based Health Centers will treat your child regardless of insurance status. Every child in Massachusetts, even undocumented immigrants, is eligible for health insurance.

If your child is not insured, the health center at their school can connect you to a community-based organization for insurance enrollment. Insurance is essential in case your child is referred to specialty care.

If your child has MassHealth or other insurance, it is necessary to provide that information to the health center.

Yes. Immigration status does not stop your child from being seen at a health center. School-Based Health Center staff do not ask about immigration status.

If your child already has a doctor, then the health center will complement the care they provide. The health center will communicate with your child’s doctor to ensure they receive the best care possible in and out of school.

If your child does not have a doctor, the health center's medical provider can provide the care a doctor would provide to your child.

No. MassHealth-managed care plans allow children to be seen at School-Based Health Centers without impacting the care they receive from their primary doctor. If you have private insurance, please call your insurance carrier.

Yes. Your child can be seen without a social security number. The health center may ask for a social security number to check whether your child has MassHealth or other insurance. But, this is not necessary for your child to receive care and services.

In most cases, the answer is no. School-Based Health Centers provide care to students registered at the school or campus where they are located. But, the sponsoring agency can frequently direct other family members to their central hospital or clinics in the area for care.