Bill 118 HRES 170, also known as the "Recognizing Congressional Intent of the Affordable Care Act," aims to clarify that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) intends for enhanced Federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) funds to be shared directly with counties in states that have a Medicaid local share requirement.
The ACA, passed in 2010, provides funding to states to expand Medicaid coverage to low-income individuals. The FMAP is the percentage of Medicaid costs that the federal government covers, with higher percentages provided to states with lower per capita income levels.
In states with a Medicaid local share requirement, counties are required to contribute a portion of the Medicaid costs. However, there has been confusion over whether the FMAP funds should be shared directly with the counties or if they should be retained by the state.
Bill 118 HRES 170 seeks to clarify that it is the intent of Congress for the FMAP funds to be shared directly with the counties in states with a Medicaid local share requirement. This would ensure that counties receive the appropriate funding to cover their Medicaid costs and provide healthcare services to their residents.
Overall, this bill aims to ensure that the ACA's funding mechanisms are implemented as intended and that counties in states with a Medicaid local share requirement receive the necessary financial support to provide healthcare services to their communities.