W.Va. gov seeks more Medicaid stimulus funds February 08, 2010 2:15 PM
CHARLESTON, W.Va.
Gov. Joe Manchin is appealing to Congress to keep federal stimulus dollars flowing into state Medicaid programs.
The National Governors Association wants to extend a temporary funding boost set to expire in December.
Manchin co-signed NGA's letter asking U.S. House and Senate leaders to continue the enhanced matching rate until mid-2011, when the recession-battered states complete their next budget year.
He issued the Feb. 4 letter as NGA vice chair along with group Chair James Douglas of Vermont. It also requests greater leeway for states in managing these health insurance programs.
Medicaid in West Virginia mainly covers poor children and the disabled.
Manchin says he continues to question the wisdom of extending other forms of stimulus funding.