The Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) increase is expected to be extended, since the U.S. Senate has voted to pass it.

Without the FMAP extension, many states were planning to cut or even eliminate health care programs serving poor and elderly residents.

The Senate voted on August 5 to pass the federal state-aid package that includes $16.1 billion to extend the FMAP increase through 2011.

First the Senate had to surmount a Republican filibuster — an outcome that seemed unlikely by all accounts just one week ago. Once the Senate voted on August 4 to end the debate, the bill headed to the Senate floor where it passed, 61-39.

Calling Representatives Back for the House Vote

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives have already left for summer recess. However, in an uncommon move, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) called them back to Washington, D.C. to vote on the measure next week.

Once the measure is passed in the House, as expected, the bill will be sent to President Obama, who has been pushing for its passage.

Extension Will Prevent Layoffs and Service Cuts

The $16.1 billion FMAP increase is part of a larger, $26 billion state-aid package of which $10 million is targeted to prevent teacher and other public service worker layoffs due to shortfalls in state budgets.

The bill was tied up in the Senate until two Maine Republicans, Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, joined with Democrats to end debate on the bill.

“At a time when our economy is still regaining its footing and state budgets are strapped, this FMAP extension is critical to maintaining services for elders and people with disabilities, as well as ensuring stability to the direct-care workforce that provides those services,” said Steve Edelstein, PHI’s national policy director.

“We applaud the Senate leadership and Senators Collins and Snowe for putting the needs of our most vulnerable citizens at the forefront and for refusing to let this vital legislation die.”

– by Deane Beebe