News Release

Statement by Mike Leavitt Secretary of Health and Human Services On Two Medicaid Rules

The Administration has been asked several times the impact of implementing two Medicaid rules when an existing moratorium expires May 25, 2008.

1. Graduate Medical Education -- CMS 2279 -- proposed rule published on May 23, 2007; and

2. Cost limit for Providers Operated by Units of Government and Provisions to Ensure the Integrity of Federal-State Financial Partnership -- CMS 2259-FC -- final rule with comment period, published on May 29, 2007.

In response, Secretary Michael O. Leavitt released the following statement today:

“I reiterate the Administration’s willingness to work with Congress and Governors to discuss their concerns before the rules go into effect,” Secretary Leavitt said. “We will voluntarily refrain from making these rules effective until August 1, 2008, more than 60 days after the moratorium expires. I invite interested parties to sit down with me and my staff in the coming weeks to ensure that we meet our mutual commitments to protect health care for low-income individuals.”

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Last revised: May 22, 2008