Congressman drafts legislation to protect Medicaid reimbursements

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. John Boozman has introduced legislation in Congress that would protect Medicaid reimbursements from cuts in financial support.

The bill — H.R. 4355 — would place a moratorium on enforcement of a proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that would eliminate millions of dollars in federal funding for administrative, transportation and habilitation services for eligible children.

The language of Boozman’s bill mirrors that of a second State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) reauthorization plan put forward by House Democrats that was vetoed.

“I offered this bill because I don’t want to see this important money cut due to being part of the SCHIP debate,” said Boozman. “I don’t know of anyone in Congress who wants to see this money taken away, nor do I see any reason why this bill should not move quickly.”

In mid-December, Boozman received a bipartisan letter of support signed by 30 governors throughout the nation. It was sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Leader Harry Reid, House Republican Leader John Boehner and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell urging action to prevent the “shift in billions of dollars in federal costs to states, local governments and school districts.”