News
House Passes MFP Extension, Proposal Held Up in Senate
- By: USAging
- On: 03/29/2019 10:40:34
- In: Policy & Advocacy
A bill that would provide $20 million in short-term funding for the Medicaid Money Follows the Person (MFP) program. The bill, H.R. 1839 would also extend spousal impoverishment protections through September 2019 passed the House earlier this week. Advocates were optimistic that the Senate would also take up the measure this week, but it is temporarily stalled.
Both programs currently face a March 31 expiration, so advocates will need to rally next week to ensure Senators understand how critical it is to continue both programs. If lawmakers pass another short-term extension for MFP and spousal impoverishment protections, the next challenge will be securing longer-term funding and stability for both by the fall.
The Money Follows the Person program is crucial in helping individuals with disabilities and older adults who want to transition out of nursing homes get back into their communities. MFP has assisted more than 88,000 individuals move into their desired setting and helped 44 states improve access to community-based long-term services and supports. Many AAAs are the on-the-ground entities providing this assistance.