House passes CR funding government, delaying DSH cuts through Dec. 20

The House of Representatives today voted 231-192 to approve a continuing resolution that would fund the federal government through Dec. 20 and delay impending Medicaid cuts, among other provisions. The Senate is expected to vote on the legislation before the current CR expires Nov. 21. The bill would delay through Dec. 20 a $4 billion reduction in Medicaid disproportionate share hospital allotments scheduled to take effect Nov. 22; extend the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic demonstration program through Dec. 20; and extend the current 100% Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, under the Medicaid program. The legislation also would extend through Dec. 20 funding for Community Health Centers, the National Health Service Corps, Teaching Health Centers that operate graduate medical education programs, and measure selection and endorsement activities conducted by the National Quality Forum. Federal funding for fiscal year 2019 expired on Sept. 30.