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Guthrie Medicaid Bill Passes House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie’s (KY-02) legislation to extend a program that allows certain Medicaid beneficiaries, such as seniors and individuals with disabilities, to transition from a nursing home or institutional care back to their home if they choose has passed in the House.

Since the Medicaid Money Follows the Person (MFP) program was created it has successfully helped over 88,000 individuals receive care in their own homes. The MFP program does not require people to leave institutional care; rather, it allows individuals who choose to go home to do so.

Earlier this year, Guthrie introduced the EMPOWER Care Act to extend the MFP program with Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI). The EMPOWER Care Act was included in the Empowering Beneficiaries, Ensuring Access and Strengthening Accountability Act of 2019, which passed in the House Tuesday.

“The Money Follows the Person Program has allowed thousands of Kentuckians who chose to transition from institutional care to receiving care in their own homes,” said Guthrie. “This legislation empowers individuals to choose where they want to receive their health care, and it also extends other important Medicaid programs. Thank you Congresswoman Dingell for working with me on this bill. I urge the Senate to pass it as soon as possible.” 

Through this legislation, the MFP program will be extended through FY2024. Short-term versions of Guthrie’s legislation was signed into law in January and again in April.

 

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