Request Would Mean Almost $300,000 in Federal Matching Funds for Medicaid

Frankfort, KY: Governor Ernie Fletcher announced today that he is returning $110,000 in leftover transition funds and requesting that it be earmarked for Medicaid. If this request were honored it will mean approximately $400,000 (including the original $110,000) for the state Medicaid program, which serves the state's most vulnerable citizens.

"It's my hope that this money can be earmarked for the Medicaid program and receive federal matching dollars," stated Governor Fletcher. "I want to commend my transition team for working as efficiently as possible while not spending every dollar made available to our transition."

Upon being elected, state money was made available to assist Governor Fletcher's transition into office. Any additional remaining transition funds will also be returned and earmarked for Medicaid.

The Governor's desire to have these funds earmarked for Medicaid is a strong signal of Governor Fletcher's commitment and dedication to ensuring the strength of Kentucky's Medicaid system," said Daniel Groves, Chief of Staff to the Governor. "It was a goal of our transition to use as little money as possible from the transition fund.  This is another example of Governor Fletcher's commitment to restore fiscal integrity, and signals his desire to use valuable state dollars as frugally as possible."

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