WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA), along with Representatives Richard E. Neal (MA-01), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), William Keating (MA-09), Joseph P. Kennedy III (MA-04), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Seth Moulton (MA-06), and Lori Trahan (MA-03) announced that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will receive an estimated $1.08 billion in new Medicaid funding under the recently-passed federal coronavirus stimulus package, which included a 6.2% increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP) for Medicaid. 

“We have an obligation to make sure that our most vulnerable neighbors have the resources and support they need during this crisis, and this funding will help ensure they do,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “I’ll continue to work in close partnership with my colleagues at every level of government to affirm the health, safety, and economic security of our neighbors in the 7^th district and throughout our commonwealth.”

“This new Medicaid funding is great news for Massachusetts, and will give the Commonwealth more flexibility to address the coronavirus pandemic and other public health concerns,” said Senator Warren. “I’ll keep fighting to make sure our federal government supports our states and localities as they grapple with this public health emergency.”

“Medicaid isn’t just a line in the budget, it is a lifeline for vulnerable patients and families in Massachusetts,” said Senator Markey. “As the Commonwealth and our cities and towns respond to the coronavirus crisis, this funding will provide additional resources and flexibility for our public health and health care systems. I will continue to push for all of the federal resources Massachusetts needs to respond to the coronavirus emergency.”

“The additional funding for Medicaid will ensure that all those who need assistance receive it,” said Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee Richard E. Neal. “Folks that receive Medicaid funding are usually some of the most vulnerable and this action is another step in the right direction to make sure that they are cared for.”

“Last week, the House took swift, bold action to pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Our bill increases federal Medicaid funding and supports our state and local governments and health systems as they combat this crisis,” said Congressman McGovern. “I am grateful for the leadership of Speaker Pelosi, who worked tirelessly to quickly pass this important bill – and for the work of our entire Congressional Delegation, which has been working as a team during this challenging time. We are laser-focused on ensuring that we put the needs of Massachusetts families first during this pandemic, and that is exactly what this Medicaid funding will help us do.”

“I am relieved to see the Families First Coronavirus Response Act the House passed last week was passed by the Senate today,” said Representative Lynch. “This funding is vital to Massachusetts residents and will help provide relief to workers and families on Medicaid, as well as provide significant funding for food services and unemployment benefits.  My sincere thanks to all the public health officials, health care workers, first responders and other essential employees that are working around the clock on the front lines of this crisis to help protect Americans who are the most vulnerable to this outbreak.”

“The additional $1 billion Massachusetts will receive will provide the necessary flexibility to properly address this crisis at home, especially as the situation evolves, while also ensuring Bay Staters receive the care they need without having services cut because of Medicaid shortfalls,” said Congressman Bill Keating. 

“In the face of pandemic, the federal government must ensure the doctors, hospitals, and health centers on the frontlines of our response have the resources they need to keep our people safe,” said Congressman Kennedy. “This stimulus package rightfully includes critical spending to strengthen Medicaid and protect the most vulnerable. Its passage will rapidly invest $1.08 billion into Massachusetts health care infrastructure, which will be life-saving in the days and weeks ahead. The Massachusetts delegation will continue fighting on all fronts to get the Commonwealth what it needs.”

“Every family in Massachusetts must have access to care during this time of crisis,” said Congresswoman Clark. “I’m grateful that the House acted swiftly last week to draft and pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and that the Senate has met our urgent call for action. We have more work to do to ensure that families, providers and businesses receive the support they need to stay safe and stable, but this more than $1 billion in federal health care money will go a long way toward that goal while guaranteeing free testing and helping to prevent further spread of the virus.”

“So many people I know have already lost their jobs, and we’re just getting started with this pandemic. We need to act decisively to protect our health and our economy, and this is a good place to start. But there’s much, much more to do,” Congressman Moulton said.

“Workers and families are facing historic disruption as a result of the coronavirus. The House bill passed by the Senate today provides our constituents with the health care coverage, food assistance, and financial support they need to cope with the widespread consequences of this pandemic. States like Massachusetts will also see a much-needed increase in assistance through programs like Medicaid, which will support the heroic efforts of our community hospitals, health centers and other medical facilities which serve those most in-need. This action reflects our responsibility to stand with the American people as we move through this national emergency, together,” said Congresswoman Trahan.

Prior to this announcement, the Commonwealth had received a total of $12,149,309.30 in supplemental funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to combat the pandemic.

Rep. Pressley is actively working to maximize the federal government’s assistance in combatting the spread and impact of COVID-19. Earlier this week, she called on the Department of Housing and Urban Development to place a moratorium on all evictions in HUD-subsidized housing during the pandemic. Additionally, Rep. Pressley called on the White House Coronavirus Task to provide funding and resources to the nation’s 1,400 community health centers. Last month, Congresswoman Pressley sent a letter to the White House demanding that any COVID-19 vaccine or treatment be accessible, available, and affordable to all. She also sent a letter to the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) demanding information on how BOP plans to limit the spread of the virus in federal prisons. She also sent a letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calling on CDC to make good on its promise to make COVID-19 testing and treatment free for all. Furthermore, she sent a letter to Vice President Mike Pence pushing back on the public charge rule as to not deter immigrants from seeking COVID-19 testing.

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