Review of Alabama's Claims Associated with the Increased Federal Medical Assistance Percentage under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

摘要

Pursuant to Title XIX of the Social Security Act, the Medicaid program provides medical assistance to low-income individuals and individuals with disabilities. The Federal and State Governments jointly fund and administer the Medicaid program. At the Federal level, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) administers the program. Each State administers its Medicaid program in accordance with a CMS-approved State plan. Although the State has considerable flexibility in designing and operating its Medicaid program, it must comply with applicable Federal requirements. In Alabama, the Alabama Medicaid Agency (State agency) administers the Medicaid program, which includes developing and maintaining internal controls. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, P.L. No. 111-5 (Recovery Act), enacted February 17, 2009, provides, among other initiatives, fiscal relief to States to protect and maintain State Medicaid programs in a period of economic downturn.