Feds extend funding, Medicaid waiver for Massachuetts insurance plan

Massachusetts has been granted increased federal funds and a new three-year waiver of its Medicaid contract so that it can continue providing coverage for individuals who typically do not qualify for the benefit (Source: “Mass. gets $10.6b for healthcare insurance,” Boston Glove, Oct. 1, 2008).

Over the next three years the state will be given $10.6 billion in federal funds to expand its first-in-the-nation health care law. The deal gives the state about $2.1 million more than it received in its first three-year waiver.

State officials said they see the agreement as a federal vote of confidence for the state’s pioneering universal coverage program.

"This is a signal from the federal government that they support what we are trying to achieve here," said state Senate President Therese Murray.