Congressional inaction could cost states--and LTC--billions.As of press time, states stand to lose $8.9 billion in FY 2005 because federal law-makers allowed the temporary 2.95% federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP FMAP Federal Medical Assistance Percentage FMAP Fabrica Militar de Armas Portatiles FMAP Florida Market Assistance Plan FMAP Fan Marker Approach FMAP Financial Management Assistance Project ) increase to expire last month. This could result in a loss of as much as $1.39 billion in nursing home funds, reported the American Health Care Association The American Health Care Association (AHCA) is non-profit federation of affiliated state health organizations, together representing more than 10,000 non-profit and for-profit assisted living, nursing facility, developmentally-disabled, and subacute care providers that care for and National Center for Assisted Living as·sist·ed living n. A living arrangement in which people with special needs, especially older people with disabilities, reside in a facility that provides help with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, and taking medication. (AHCA/NCAL). The ten hardest hit states, said AHCA/NCAL, are: 1. New York (estimated total Medicaid spending lost $1.47 billion) 2. California ($983.3 million) 3. Texas ($499 million) 4. Pennsylvania ($453.7 million) 5. Florida ($383.5 million) 6. Ohio ($366.4 million) 7. Illinois ($314.7 million) 8. Massachusetts ($279.8 million) 9. Michigan ($258 million) 10. New Jersey ($241.8 million) After the funding lapsed on June 30, Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) and Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) introduced legislation extending FMAP relief an additional 15 months. "The federal fiscal relief has served to protect American seniors, and we urge lawmakers to extend the FMAP assistance until sustained, longer-term economic gains can stabilize state budgets," said then AHCA/NCAL President and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. Charles H. Roadman II Lieutenant General Charles H. Roadman II (born 27 November 1943 in San Antonio, Texas) was the 16th United States Air Force Surgeon General (1996-1999), Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Bolling Air Force Base, Washington D.C. LtGen Roadman's father, MajGen Charles H. , MD, CNA (Certified NetWare Administrator) See Novell certification. . "Extending assistance for just one more year is an effective way for Congress to help states avoid making more cuts or program limits that negatively impact the well-being of America's most vulnerable population of seniors." BY DOUGLAS J. EDWARDS, ASSISTANT EDITOR |
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