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PRINCIPLES REGARDING MEDICAID

The American Medical Student Association:

1.             SUPPORTS in principle the aim and implementation of the Medicaid program to provide health coverage for disadvantaged uninsured residents (2005), but in all instances will work toward a comprehensive national medical care program with universal coverage available for all Americans; (1990)

2.             In regard to eligibility;

a.             SUPPORTS legislation that abandons categorical tests for eligibility for Medicaid; (1990)

b.             SUPPORTS legislation that grants Medicaid benefits on the basis of financial need alone, with eligibility levels of at least 200% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for children and 133% FPL for adults; (2005)

c.             SUPPORTS legislation that expands coverage to impoverished individuals with physical disabilities, terminal illnesses, chemical dependency and mental illnesses; (1990)

d.             ENCOURAGES health care reform to ensure universal coverage but until that time provide Medicaid to all eligible persons and families; (2005)

e.             STRONGLY ENCOURAGES the federal government to disallow state governments from restricting the eligibility criteria for Medicaid which would exclude any and all recipients of TANF (2005) and low-income pregnant mothers; (1996)

f.              STRONGLY ENCOURAGES the federal government to disallow state governments from imposing enrollment caps on Medicaid which eliminates Medicaid’s guarantee to coverage and is not based on need but rather on a first come first serve basis; (2005)

g.             SUPPORTS the states’ simplification of enrollment and renewal procedures for Medicaid and SCHIP programs; (2005)

3.             In regard to women and children;

a.             SUPPORTS legislation that insures pregnant women eligible for Medicaid to be automatically covered for prenatal care for at least 45 days from the earliest point of contact and maternal and child care for up to two months after delivery; (1990)

b.             OPPOSES separating the eligibility of a pregnant woman and her fetus for SCHIP or Medicaid benefits. (2005)

4.             With regard to Medicaid funding;

a.             STRONGLY URGES the federal government to maintain the current Medicaid funding structure in which states and the federal government share risk and responsibility for populations covered by Medicaid; (2005)

                b.             OPPOSES any legislation that would serve to: (1996)

1.             Transfer control over the allocation of federal Medicaid funds to the state governments;

2.             Decrease benefits currently received by U.S. citizens insured under Medicaid, including approving Section 1115 Waivers that alter Medicaid’s enrollment, benefits and affordability; (2005)

3.             Allow states the option of refusing to match federal funds for Medicaid recipients;

4.             Allow states to use different eligibility criteria for TANF (2005) from Medicaid criteria in order  to eliminate or maintain benefit status. (1996)

5.             Remove requirement for federal approval of state waivers for any reduction in eligibility or benefits; (2005)

6.             Place any caps on states’ Medicaid spending which would limit states’ capacity to provide health coverage and would break the federal-state partnership to share the risk and responsibility of covering this low-income population. (2005)