This was successfully posted to your pofile.
This box will close automatically in a few seconds. Close this window
We don't have an e-mail address on file for you. To use AAFP Connection, you must have an e-mail address in our records. Click Here
Partnership Leads Efforts to Increase Medicaid Matching Rate
Although the House and Senate bills currently do not contain an increase in the matching rate, also known as the Federal Medical Assistance Percentages, or FMAP, Congress could pass an increase in the rate as part of a final stimulus package, according to the Partnership for Medicaid.
The partnership, which includes a variety of professional, health care and advocacy organizations, sent a letter (2-page PDF; About PDFs) to each member of Congress on Jan. 25, saying that "increasing the FMAP is an effective means of stimulating state economies."
"It would target federal spending at the lowest income individuals and contribute to state economies, particularly the health care sector," said the letter.
Licy Do Canto, chair of the Partnership for Medicaid and assistant director of federal affairs for the National Association of Community Health Centers Inc., said, "Medicaid is a program that is making a huge difference." With the letter, he added, the partnership "wants to make sure it continues to do that, and we felt very strongly that at a time when the economy is ailing and so many people are impacted by that, Congress should increase the (match) rate."
The federal government matches state Medicaid funding based on a dollar percentage determined by the FMAP. The matching rate is at least 50 percent of every dollar spent in each state and is greater in poorer states, climbing as high as 77 percent in some of the poorest states.
"During economic downturns and periods of increased unemployment, more people rely on Medicaid," said the letter. "Yet under the program's financing mechanism, Medicaid is most vulnerable to funding shortfalls when circumstances create the greatest need."
The coalition's letter said Congress should increase the match rate, and it should also address the Bush administration's rule-making activities, which are designed to limit the growth of Medicaid programs on the state level. These actions would "go a long way to shoring up state Medicaid programs during the economic slowdown and ensuring that Medicaid beneficiaries continue to receive the coverage they need," said the letter.
Number of Physicians Taking New Medicaid Patients Continues to Shrink
(8/24/2006)
Lawmakers Warn HHS Against Medicaid Cuts
Proposal Could Shave $12 Billion
(7/21/2006)
More From AAFP
Medicaid Fee Schedule
This was successfully posted to your pofile.
This box will close automatically in a few seconds. Close this window
We don't have an e-mail address on file for you. To use AAFP Connection, you must have an e-mail address in our records. Click Here
PCMH Is Answer to Medicare Payment Problems
Physician Groups Unite to Call for SGR Repeal
Threatened Medicare Payment Cuts Cause Chaos for FPs
AAFP, Medical Organizations Push for SGR Repeal
Focus of Conference Call is Shared Savings, Advance Payment
FPs Can Expect Slight Changes in Medicare Pay for 2012
HHS Approach to Essential Health Benefits Falls Flat
CMS Delays Implementation of 'Sunshine Act'
Congress Works Out Temporary Solution to SGR Cut
Community-based Residencies Would Benefit From House Bill
GME Funding to Remain Level in 2012
House Rejects Measure to Block Medicare Pay Cut
House Addresses Medicare Payment Cut
AAFP Backs Tavenner as New CMS Administrator
Supercommittee Fails to Address SGR
Overcoming Scarce Resources to Enact Health Care Reform
Medicare Payment: Value Is as Important as Volume
AAFP President-elect Makes Return Visit to Capitol Hill
Insurance Exchanges, CO-OPs Might Provide Opportunity for FPs
AAFP Members Speak Out on Title VII Funding
Campaign Addresses Need for Medicare Payment Reform
AAFP Continues to Press Congress for Payment Solution
AAFP Leaders Take On Washington
Campaign Focuses on GME Outreach
'Family Medicine Matters,' AAFP Members Tell Congress
AAFP Outlines Suggested Changes for CO-OP Program
Groups Call on Supercommittee to Address Medical Liability Reform
Grassroots Efforts to Repeal SGR Continue
Bill Linking Mandatory Education to Prescribing Not Needed
Blended Payment Model Gives Boost to Primary Care Services
AAFP Joins AMA, Other Groups in Calling for SGR Repeal
Eliminating SGR May Come With High Price
Tobacco Oversight Must Include Cigars, Say AAFP, Other Groups
AAFP Rallies Congress of Delegates on Medicare Payment
AMA Task Force Focuses on Fixing the SGR
2012 Physician Fee Schedule Needs Work, Says AAFP
New Task Force Takes Steps to Better Value Primary Care
Deficit-reduction Plan Must Eliminate SGR, Says AAFP
Physicians File Lawsuit Over RUC, CMS Relationship
Policy Brief Explains HHS Insurance Exchange Plans
