Gov. Ralph Northam issued a proclamation this week ordering the General Assembly back to Richmond on April 11 to work on the state budget.  Legislators adjourned the 2018 session without an agreement on state spending for fiscal years 2019 and 2020. 

The House and Senate are still divided over whether to expand Medicaid coverage for adults age 18-64.  The House of Delegates has supported coverage expansion, while Senate Republicans, who hold a one-seat advantage in that chamber, remain opposed to expansion.  Gov. Northam will have the opportunity to submit his own budget proposal for the chambers to consider when they return to Richmond. 

As we have previously reported, VHCA-VCAL is keeping a close eye on budget developments and any potential impact on Medicaid inflationary adjustments for nursing center services.  Prior to the adjournment of the regular session, both the House and Senate budget packages included full funding for this priority.