Act Now On FMAP

The U.S. Senate majority caucus has begun debate on their next steps regarding an extension of Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for Medicaid. A six-month extension of the enhanced FMAP rate is at risk, and we need to act today! 

FMAP refers to the Federal matching funds for State expenditures for assistance payments--in this case for Medicaid.  The recently-passed Pa. budget depends on the FMAP extension, amounting in $850 million. 

If the extension is not passed, Gov. Rendell has indicated that he will make significant cuts to essential services and lay off state workers. 

Call to Action
Please call Sen. Casey and Sen. Specter today and thank them for their ongoing support. Urge them to speak up in support of the FMAP extension.  If you are not from Pa., your calls to your state Senators are equally important.  Please take a moment to make these calls today.  We have seen on many occasions: your calls can and do make a difference!

The Senate offices can be reached toll-free by calling (877) 210-5351 or (877) 442-6801, or through the Capitol Switchboards at (202) 224-3121. 

Advocacy Tips
FMAP fact sheets (developed by PA Budget and Policy Center) specific to each congressional district can be useful tools in your conversations urging for support of the FMAP extension.

When contacting members of the U.S. Congress or the Pa. General Assembly, it is always advantageous to share that you are a constituent and that you vote. It is crucial to share why this issue is important to you personally.

Go to the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website and click on Legislative Affairs for details on the state budget.and effective advocacy tips.