The National Governors Association Medicaid Block-Grant

Publication Date: June 2003

Publisher: Families USA

Author(s):

Research Area: Health

Type: Other

Abstract:

Very soon, the nation's governors are expected to weigh in on a plan to radically restructure the Medicaid program. This plan, being developed by a 10-governor task force, is modeled after a similar plan proposed by the Bush Administration on January 31, 2003.1 The National Governors Association (NGA) plan, if adopted by Congress, would drastically reduce the amount of money available for state Medicaid programs and cause millions of people to lose access to vital health care services. The description and points made below are based on our best understanding of the draft proposal under consideration as of May 29, 2003. The NGA proposal under consideration would entice states into accepting what is, in essence, a block grant--a cap on the amount of federal money they receive for Medicaid. It would also provide them with significant new authority to change Medicaid coverage and services with limited federal oversight. This plan protects federal and state Medicaid budgets at the expense of the seniors, people with disabilities, and children who rely on Medicaid for health coverage.