Washington State to Receive $2.2 Billion More In Medicaid Funding

Funding Increase Ensures More Than A Million Washingtonians Can Keep Health Care Coverage

WASHINGTON, DC – Washington state is poised to receive up to $2.2 billion in increased Medicaid funding to provide the most vulnerable with access to health care. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, successfully worked to ensure Washington state can continue providing care, and ultimately extend care, to eligible individuals and families with low-incomes. With this increase Washington state will be able to provide care to the more than one million people currently enrolled in the program. The increase is included as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, that the U.S. Senate is currently debating. Any difference between the Senate and House versions of the bills will need to be reconciled before signed into law by President Obama.

“Families across Washington state are struggling to make ends meet, and many simply cannot afford a medical emergency, let alone health care,” said Cantwell. “This $2.2 billion increase means that Washington state can provide health benefits to more than one million people state-wide. As we look for ways to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and invest in our country’s infrastructure, we must also support the most vulnerable in our communities.”

In addition to providing increased Medicaid funding for states, Cantwell also worked to secure the following in the American Recovery Reinvestment Act of 2009:

an additional six month extension of work related Transitional Medical Assistance which provides Medicaid benefits for low-income families who would lose coverage because of changes to income, such as increased child support or increased employment wages/hours.
An extension of the Qualified Individual Program. Certain low-income disabled or aged individuals are eligible to have their Medicare Part B premiums paid for by Medicaid under the Medicare Savings Plan. Qualified Individuals must have incomes no greater than 100 percent of the federal poverty level, and assets not greater than $4,000.
Promotion of Health Information Technology. Promote the development of a national health information technology infrastructure to improve health care quality. Incentives are also included for health professionals and hospitals who adopt a certified electronic health record system and related technologies.
Continuation of COBRA coverage for unemployed workers. Provide a 65 percent premium subsidy for individuals who lost their jobs after September 2008 to help cover the cost of COBRA premiums.