Action

Towards the end of 2006, Congress agreed to extend TMA funding until June 27, 2007.  However, in the coming months, this vital legislation will be up for consideration and important decisions are expected to be made.  Keep checking back for details and let us know how much TMA means to you and your community by emailing us at publicpolicy@gu.org. 

Background

Transitional Medical Assistance (TMA) has been part of Medicaid since 1988. Medicaid is a state-administered health insurance program, jointly funded by federal and state governments. TMA provides stop-gap Medicaid cover for low-income families who are moving off welfare and into work. Without Congressional action before December 31, federal funding for the program will be slashed. If this happens, pre-existing rules will come into effect under which families will only be able to keep their Medicaid coverage for four months (instead of 6-12 months).

TMA is a particularly effective program because it applies to whole families, not just to children.  Research shows that children receive better health care when their parents are also covered.  The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has published a summary of the research. The Institute of Medicine has found that the “extension of publicly supported health insurance for low-income uninsured parents is associated with increased enrollment among children.” TMA can help get children the health coverage they need. 9 million children in the USA are currently uninsured.

Connect

More information about Medicaid and TMA is available at the Families USA Medicaid Action Center.

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