Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that by a vote of 220-207 the U.S. House of Representatives passed the final version of H.R. 4872, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.  The bill now goes to President Obama for signature.

“As a result of this historic legislation, for the next 9 years American Samoa will receive an increase of $180 million in its total Medicaid spending cap for a total of $285.5 million,” Faleomavaega said.  “American Samoa will continue to receive the 5% increase in its Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) that was signed into law by the President this past Tuesday.  This means that the American Samoa Government (ASG) will pay 45% of the Medicaid costs while the federal government pays 55%.”

“This legislation continues to provide $1 billion for the Territories to participate in the Health Insurance Exchange program.  Each of the Territories will be afforded the option to participate or transfer their allocation to their Medicaid program.  In this case, if American Samoa chooses not to participate in the Exchange by 2014, the Territory will receive an additional $18.75 million for its Medicaid program.”

“Between 2004 and 2008, ASG has received an estimated $106 million in direct and indirect federal grant funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  As you may know, ASG receives an additional $23 million per year from the federal government for the operations of its local government.  ASG continues to be the only State or Territory that receives federal funding for the operation of its local government and more than $7 million per year of these operating funds, provided by the  Department of Interior, are allocated for LBJ and healthcare in the Territory.” 

“With the hundreds of millions provided to ASG from the federal government for healthcare in American Samoa, I have every confidence that the Fono, together with the local administration, will work to establish a solid program in place for our residents who deserve affordable quality healthcare under the law.”

“Again, I want to thank President Obama and those involved for making health care affordable for all Americans and for working with the Congressional Delegates to make certain that the Territories were included in this historic legislation,” Faleomavaega concluded.