Republican senators over the weekend introduced the amendment, which aims to slash billions from the program by limiting its expansion under the Affordable Care Act.
The amendment would bar new enrollees in Medicaid expansion states from receiving a 9-to-1 Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) unless they are disabled and have dependent children.
Existing Medicaid enrollees in expansion states will be able to keep the 9-to-1 FMAP even if they temporarily leave the program, join the workforce and then return to the program.
The lowered FMAP would go into effect in 2031 if the amendment passes.
“I think it’s going to pass. If you think about it, it’s good policy. It gives the states the opportunity to get ready. Nobody gets kicked off,” Scott told The Hill.
When asked if he would vote for final passage of the Senate bill if his amendment doesn’t pass, Scott said, “I’ll figure it out then,” said Scott, adding, “My goal is to support Trump. I like his agenda.”
The amendment is cosponsored by GOP Sens. Ron Johnson (Wis), Lee (Utah) and Senate Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo (R-Idaho).
A preliminary analysis by the Congressional Budget Office projected the Senate bill would reduce Medicaid spending by $930 billion, even without Scott’s amendment to stop the future expansion of the 9-to-1 federal match share in Medicaid expansion states.
If it is adopted, it could reduce future Medicaid spending by $1.24 trillion.
