 |
| Wilson Supports Medicaid Relief for New Mexico |
September 15, 2005 |
| |
| Backs Federal Legislation to Care for Displaced Survivors of Hurricane Katrina
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Heather Wilson today announced her support for legislation that would help New Mexico and other states with the cost of providing health care services for evacuees from Hurricane Katrina.
“Evacuees from Hurricane Katrina have lost their jobs, their homes, and their everything they own. Early estimates show as many as 500,000 additional people will be eligible for Medicaid due to this disaster. This legislation would strengthen the ability of states to shoulder the burden,” said Wilson.
H.R. 3671, authored by Congressman Gene Green (D-TX), would allow the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to provide 100 percent federal matching funds for displaced Medicaid recipients receiving health care in another state due to a declared public health emergency. The legislation would be retroactive, effective August 29, 2005, allowing New Mexico and other states to receive additional Medicaid dollars for relocated Hurricane Katrina evacuees.
“In the next week, Congress will consider a Medicaid relief package for Hurricane Katrina. I hope this legislation will be a part of that package,” said Wilson.
Last week, Wilson sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt supporting a request by Governor Richardson to provide relief to states for the Medicaid expenses of relocated individuals. Providing 100 percent matching funds for relocated individuals would require Congressional authority.
Wilson also called for a delay in Medicaid reconciliation legislation last week. Congress is charged with finding $10 billion in savings from the Medicaid program over five years as required in the Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2006.
“I believe moving forward with Medicaid reconciliation doesn’t make sense right now. Medicaid needs reformed. But I believe policy should drive the budget, not the other way around,” said Wilson.
- END - |
|
|
|