Congress funds government through Dec. 20, delays DSH cuts

The Senate today voted 74-20 to approve and send to the president a continuing resolution funding the federal government through Dec. 20 and delaying impending Medicaid cuts, among other provisions. The House approved the legislation Tuesday and the president is expected to sign it before the current CR expires tonight. The bill delays through Dec. 20 a $4 billion reduction in Medicaid disproportionate share hospital allotments scheduled to take effect tomorrow; extends the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic demonstration program through Dec. 20; and extends the current 100% Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, under the Medicaid program. The legislation also extends 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 Sept. 30.