"Relating to a reduction in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Alaskans, and urging the United States Congress to take action to prevent the reduction. "

Senate Joint Resolution 6 urges federal action to maintain the current level of federal funding for the state's Medicaid program. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently announced that the federal share of the medical assistance program, known as the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), will be reduced by 7.58% on October 1, 2005.

The reduction in the FMAP will result in an approximately $53 million loss in federal Medicaid dollars in fiscal year 2006 and $73 million in fiscal year 2007.

It is imperative that Congress and the federal administration know and understand the reasons behind the high level of health care costs in Alaska. Senate Joint Resolution 6 requests Congress to take action to correct the formula flaw that resulted in the proposed substantial FMAP reduction and to take whatever measures necessary to hold Alaska harmless from the reduction in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Alaska.

Please join me in support of our state Medical program and endorse Senate Joint Resolution 6.

# # #