(Washington, D.C.) U.S. Representative Mike Ross (AR-04) joined with his colleague John Boozman (AR-03) Tuesday to protect Medicaid reimbursements from cuts proposed by Bush Administration officials.

Ross said the legislation, (H.R. 4355), would place a moratorium on enforcement of a proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that would eliminate hundreds of millions in federal funding for administrative, transportation and habilitative services for eligible children.

“Many Arkansans rely heavily on the vital services of day habilitation programs,” Ross said. “As a member of the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I am proud to join with my colleagues to introduce legislation that will ensure that people with disabilities will have continued access to these valuable services.”

“This funding is important for the health of the children and families of Arkansas,” Boozman said. “This is common-sense legislation enjoying significant bipartisan support.”

In Arkansas, state programs totaling $165 million are at risk, affecting nearly 21,000 Arkansans.

Day habilitation services provide individualized training for people with disabilities in order to provide them with the life skills necessary to avoid institutional settings.

Ross is a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce where this legislation has been referred.

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