The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released guidance for states regarding the extension of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) funding.  The guidance outlines the requirements states must meet and offers a template letter governors can use to apply for the funding.

From the report: As you know, President Obama signed the Education, Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act (P.L. 111-226) into law on August 10, 2010. Among other things, the legislation extends the increased Federal Medicaid matching rates (FMAP) under Section 5001 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) through June 30, 2011. As a condition of receiving these additional Federal funds for the extension period of January 1, 2011 through June 30, 2011 the Chief Executive Officer of the State must submit a request for those funds within 45 days of enactment, or by September 24, 2010.  Attached is a letter template that Governors may use in making their request for these funds. We urge States to submit this letter as soon as possible to ensure that the certification is received in advance of the deadline. We have also attached a set of specific requirements that were previously made available to States in the context of implementing the FMAP increase made available by ARRA. The Territories are not required to submit any certification.

Full report: FMAP Extension Guidance for States (PDF | 184KB)

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.  (2010).  FMAP extension guidance for states.  Mann, C.