Jun 29, 2010

Medicaid

The Senate again fell short of votes to end debate on the tax extender bill. The bill extends expiring tax breaks and contains domestic spending, including the six month extension of the temporary increase in the federal share of Medicaid spending (FMAP). After failing to pass twice the week before, the Senate again was only able to secure 57 votes in support of the bill, three short of what they needed to move forward. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 30 states have already budgeted for the Medicaid funds, which would provide additional money for six months beginning Jan. 1. Of those states, only 9 have contingency plans in place if the money doesn't arrive. The bill faces an uncertain future as the Senate turns its attention to other issues. Unless an FMAP extension is passed, most states will likely make significant cuts to their Medicaid programs for FY 2011.