As state officials continue their work on the Florida budget this week, Congresswoman Kathy Castor is calling on the state to be accountable, transparent and fair in its use of money for children, seniors and pregnant women. Castor is calling on the state to spend its share of federal Medicaid money solely on state Medicaid health services.

Castor is leading the fight for Florida to receive an additional $1 billion in federal Medicaid money, but some state lawmakers have said they want to spend the money on other areas. Last year, Florida received $1.6 billion in Medicaid dollars through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act but reportedly boosted health care spending by only a fraction of that amount. Castor is calling on Florida to use this money as intended – to support health care. Economists agree that state spending on health services gives a significant boost to the economy.

“Those of us who helped bring the $1.6 billion to Florida want to ensure that if we bring in an additional $1 billion it will go to Florida for the purpose intended  -- on State Medicaid health services for children, seniors and pregnant women,” Castor said. “I am calling on the state to do the right thing. Be accountable and transparent and use these resources as intended. The state must not engage in a shell game regarding these funds. Children, seniors and pregnant women depend on this vital lifeline especially in this difficult economy.”

In Florida, Medicaid serves approximately 2.7 million residents – nearly half of whom are children, followed by seniors and pregnant women. The federal Medicaid match is known as the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage, or FMAP.