Congresswoman Aumua Amata reports that the House has passed an extension of level federal government spending that includes an extra month for American Samoa’s 100 percent federal Medicaid match rate, now extended another 30 days through December 20, 2019.
This is the second extension for the Medicaid assistance passed earlier in the year, previously extended about eight weeks from Sept. 30 through Nov. 21.
In the meantime, work has continued in Congress toward providing a long-term Medicaid policy that would provide a lower cost share for American Samoa than the standard 55-45 percent match for the next several years, along with raising the cap on current spending.
The current special rate of 100 percent assistance has freed millions of dollars in funding this year that otherwise would have been used up as the Territory’s 45 percent standard Medicaid share.
Aumua stated, “The House has passed short term government funding that adds another month at the 100 percent Medicaid rate for American Samoa.
“This special Medicaid assistance passed initially because of Storm Gita, and has been helpful for our Territory. I will continue working for Medicaid policy improvements that could be a significant improvement over the former 45 percent match requirement for the Territory.”
The congresswoman added, “The effort to secure long term Medicaid relief is ongoing in Congress.
“I am urging Congress to complete a policy for the Territories that strengthens American Samoa’s health care and finances, and provides a stable, better match rate for several years.
I’m pleased that both Senate and House leaders seem committed to getting this important effort over the finish line.”
