Urge Congress to Act Before Memorial Day to Pass the 6-Month FMAP Extension

FHCA needs YOUR help today! It is critical that you contact Congress NOW and ask them vote before Memorial Day for the six-month extension of the temporary increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP).

Unless Congress acts soon, the current FMAP increase will EXPIRE on December 31, 2010. How Florida nursing homes fare in the state budget passed by our Legislature this session greatly depends on Congress' action. The increased funding from the FMAP six-month extension, along with the Nursing Home Quality Assessment, will allow providers to buy back the Medicaid rate cuts currently included in the state budget. Without this additional federal support, Florida long term care providers face a $199.5 million Medicaid funding cut, which would jeopardize care for our state's nearly 71,000 frail elders in nursing homes.

If Congress fails to pass the FMAP extension by June 30, 2010, nursing homes will experience a 7% Medicaid funding cut and suffer an average $9.00 per patient day rate cut effective July 1, 2010. However, the passage of the extended FMAP funding, in conjunction with the provider assessment, will ensure provider Medicaid rates are NOT REDUCED.

Please click here and contact your U.S. Representative and Senator today! You can use our pre-printed message or craft your own.

Time is of the essence, so please Take Action today! Ask Congress to act before Memorial Day and vote for the six-month extension of the enhanced FMAP funding.