On June 25, the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG), of which ASAM is a member, sent a letter to Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Charles Schumer (D-NY) urging them to raise the existing increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) by an additional 7.8 percentage points. This would bring the total temporary increase to FMAP up to 14 percentage points, dramatically raising the amount of federal funding provided to state Medicaid plans. The letter additionally requests that Congress extend the increase through at least June 30, 2021 to prevent cuts to Medicaid programs, support the surge in Medicaid enrollment, and to ensure the continuation of essential state Medicaid waivers and plans.

The letter emphasizes that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant increase in unemployment rates and an emerging need for mental health care and addiction treatment, which has caused a surge in Medicaid enrollment. Furthermore, the letter states that due to the surge in demand for services, state Medicaid programs are facing significant budget shortfalls. Therefore, it is critical that Congress increase the FMAP to prevent cuts in coverage, services, and providers rates that are needed to address the repercussions of the ongoing public health emergency and decrease the worsening effects of mental health and substance use.

Read the letter here.