House Passes FMAP Extension - Long Term Care Community Applauds

Washington, DC - Bruce Yarwood, President and CEO of FHCA's national affiliate, the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), and Alan Rosenbloom, President of the Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care, issued the following statement today applauding House passage of an extension of the enhanced Medicaid Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP):

“The rare return of the House today speaks to the importance of protecting our nation’s seniors in nursing and assisted living facilities. More than anyone else, Speaker Pelosi understood the severity of the financial situation facing the states today and did the right thing for America’s frail and elderly.

“As soon as the bill becomes law, $16 billion in additional Medicaid funding will be in the hands of governors grappling with difficult state fiscal crises and many priorities. The individuals who rely on Medicaid for skilled nursing care have more medically-complex needs than ever before, and this immediate infusion of funds is vital to ensuring their needs can be met. This funding is critical to preserving resident choice and maintaining home-and community-based services options.

“We applaud the Congressional champions who took a stand and voted for this legislation – not just for taking the time to understand the complexities of the issue and the threat to seniors’ care – but also for actually doing something to address the problem.

“Our work is not done. In the coming weeks, AHCA, NCAL and the Alliance will now turn our efforts to the state houses, urging governors to remember those living in nursing and assisted living facilities, and the citizens who care for them every day. We urge the nation’s governors to do what is necessary, and do what is right, to safeguard those who have contributed so greatly to society and who now need our protection and care.”