Senate Includes FMAP in Extenders Bill – Provision Still in Danger - June 9, 2010

After extensive advocacy by safety net hospitals and allied organizations, the Senate chose to include a six-month extension of enhanced federal Medicaid payments to states (FMAP) in its version of tax extenders legislation. The House has previously dropped the $24 billion provision before passing its version of tax extenders on May 28. The provision remains in danger, however, as it is not clear whether there are currently 60 votes to invoke cloture and pass the bill with FMAP intact. If Senate leaders cannot find 60 votes, they may choose to drop the FMAP provision, as occurred in the House. NAPH encourages all hospitals to continue to weigh in with their Senate offices to express the importance of extending the enhanced FMAP provision. NAPH has updated its one-page OurView document on the issue.