Medical-Aid Extension Brings Relief to Jewish Charities

President Barack Obama’s signature on legislation to use federal stimulus funds to extend Medicaid assistance to states sent a wave of relief rippling through Jewish philanthropy circles, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reports.

The bill was a top lobbying priority for the Jewish Federations of North America, whose members and their partner hospitals, nursing homes, and social-service agencies receive nearly $6-billion a year in government assistance via Medicaid.

The measure, which the president signed last week, will save Jewish groups $150-million to $200-million and spare many from cutting back on Medicaid programs.