Washington, DC - August 10, 2010 - Congress today passed legislation on a 247-161 vote that extends the increases in the Medicaid matching rate, known as Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP), through June 30, 2011. The enhanced FMAP was originally instituted by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act and was set to expire at the end of the year.
"We applaud Congress for extending increased funding to cash-strapped states faced with making severe cuts to health care services and supports for low-income Americans who depend on Medicaid for their livelihood, including Americans who have mental illnesses," said Laurel Stine, director of federal relations at the Bazelon Center.
"Medicaid is the primary funder of community-based mental health services and supports, including psychiatric rehabilitation and intensive case management. The passage of this extension will help ensure states can continue providing vital healthcare and recovery-oriented services and help fulfill community integration efforts for many individuals with disabilities," Stine added.
Click here for more information on FMAP.