Lawmakers Weigh Bill Aimed at Accelerating Bump in Medicaid Funds
California lawmakers are set to consider a measure (AB 188) that could accelerate the process of imposing a new provider fee on hospitals, the San Francisco Business Times reports.
Earlier this month, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) signed AB 1383 by Assembly member Dave Jones (D-Sacramento). The legislation will collect fees from hospitals to draw down increased federal matching funds for Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program.
Jones also authored AB 188, which includes provisions to help fund AB 1383 as well as an urgency clause.
Officials from the California Hospital Association say AB 1383 could take effect immediately if the Legislature and the governor approve AB 188.
CHA officials added that CMS also will need to approve the provider fee before California hospitals could start receiving the federal matching funds.
The Assembly is expected to consider AB 188 during the coming weeks (Rauber, San Francisco Business Times, 10/20). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.