Federal Funding Bill Preserves Medicaid Support to Counties

• By: NYSAC
• On: 03/15/2020 11:53:46
• In: Press Releases

Today, counties across the state extend their appreciation and gratitude to U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and the New York Congressional Delegation for their efforts to provide vital resources to our communities as they combat the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Crucially for New York counties, H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, passed last night, includes provisions to preserve the existing eFMAP statutory language and codifies congressional intent to share a portion of these savings with county government. Enhanced FMAP funds provide the state, counties and New York City hundreds of millions of federal dollars to help cover the cost of health care to those in need through the Medicaid program.

“Senator Schumer has a long history defending the needs of the state of New York, especially for essential health care funding through the Medicaid Program. As the U.S. House of Representatives negotiated the Corona Stimulus Package, it was Senator Schumer's institutional knowledge and tireless personal advocacy working with the NY House Delegation, that led to the preservation of critical Federal Medicaid increases for the state and its local governments,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario. “The legislation approved by the House provides important financial resources for the state of New York, its counties and the City of New York to enable all levels of government to continue mobilizing public health efforts to protect the public from this pandemic.”

The legislation will provide important resources for states and local health departments to further address issues related to the coronavirus, including additional funding to support state Medicaid programs to ensure they have enough resources to respond to our most vulnerable citizens. The bill also provides emergency assistance to workers and small businesses negatively impacted by the spread of the disease and the isolation and treatment measures necessary to limit and mitigate further transmission.

“This legislation will be critical in comprehensively addressing the public health and economic challenges we are facing,” Acquario said. “On behalf of all New York counties, we thank Senator Schumer and the entire New York Delegation for their unwavering support and commitment to meet the needs of our state, and we urge swift passage of the bill in the Senate.”