Medicaid FMAP Increase Extension; Calls Needed Today

Call Your Representatives Today to Urge Them to Support FMAP Extension to States

Six-Month Extension of Increased Medicaid Funding Part of Larger Bill

n4a has learned that the House is planning to vote this Thursday on an amended version of the “tax extenders” legislation (H.R. 4213) that would extend a number of tax provisions and spending for several programs, including health insurance subsidies for jobless Americans and expanded unemployment benefits.

The legislation includes one of n4a’s top priorities, the six-month extension of the Recovery Act’s increase in federal Medicaid match (FMAP) that would provide $26 billion in additional funding to help state Medicaid programs.

States and people served by Medicaid programs are counting on this funding but time is running short with the new state fiscal year beginning in July. If the House fails to act now, states will be forced to cut even more services—and that includes non-Medicaid programs like state Older Americans programs—from their already strained budgets.

“The American Jobs, Closing Tax Loopholes and Preventing Outsourcing Act” is expected to be voted on tomorrow, and will then proceed to the Senate for a probable vote next week. Several Members of Congress have expressed reservations about voting for this legislation amid concerns about the growing federal budget deficit. They need to hear from constituents that the additional relief is essential to prevent harmful cuts to vital Medicaid programs and other home and community-based services.

Action Requested:

à Call Your U.S. Representative(s) in DC today. You can also reach them through the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121. Or you may wish to use this toll-free number (877-442-6801) provided by AFSCME.

à Ask for the staff member who handles Medicaid issues and let them know you encourage the Representative to vote YES for the “American Jobs, Closing Tax Loopholes and Preventing Outsourcing Act.” Support the six-month extension of Medicaid FMAP relief to states.

If you have questions about this Advocacy Alert, please contact n4a’s Public Policy and Legislative Affairs staff, Amy Gotwals and KJ Hertz, at 202.872.0888 or agotwals@n4a.org, khertz@n4a.org.