The House of Representatives has approved an extension of the increased federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP), which provides enhanced funding to Medicaid, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores reported.

NACDS said the bill now goes to President Obama to be signed into law. The extension, due to expire this year, is seen as vital to helping budget-crunched states support health care and pharmacy services provided through Medicaid.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The House of Representatives has approved an extension of the increased federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP), which provides enhanced funding to state Medicaid programs, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores reported.

NACDS said lawmakers in the House, who returned to Washington during their traditional August district work period, on Tuesday passed a funding measure that includes a six-month extension of the higher FMAP.

The Senate approved the measure late last week. The bill will now go to President Barack Obama to be signed into law.

NACDS has advocated for the extension of the increased FMAP, which was raised temporarily as a provision of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act economic stimulus legislation enacted in 2009.

The added funding is considered vital to helping financially pressed states support health care, pharmacy and other services provided through Medicaid. Until Obama signs the bill, the increased funding is scheduled to expire Dec. 31.

"This enhanced federal funding of state Medicaid programs is important to help prevent additional cuts to pharmacy services and pharmacy access at the state level," stated Steve Anderson, NACDS president and chief executive officer Steve Anderson. "Anything that hinders pharmacy access is counterproductive, because when patients do not take their medications correctly health suffers and long-term health care costs rise."

NACDS noted that it has been highly engaged on the FMAP issue at the federal level, in tandem with its state government affairs work with state pharmacy and retail associations and national association partners.