Extension of Enhanced FMAP Funding Critical for State Budgets, State Economies, and Low-Income Families

The following is the statement of Kathleen Stoll, Deputy Executive Director of Families USA, in response to the Senate’s passage of a six-month increase in federal Medicaid funding, originally authorized in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“Today’s Senate vote for a six-month extension of increased federal Medicaid funding is critical for two major reasons. In the current economic climate, more and more families depend on Medicaid for their health care needs, and a funding extension helps ensure that state budgets can meet these needs. In addition, this increased funding to states helps protect jobs and serves as additional stimulus to state economies.

“While we regret the cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that accompanied this passage, we urge the House to take up this measure promptly, and we urge both the House and Senate to explore options to restore funding to SNAP.”

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Families USA is the national organization for health care consumers. It is nonprofit and nonpartisan and advocates for high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans.

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