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Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) Executive Director Gabriella Boffelli and designated Health Secretary Víctor Ramos held a meeting on Wednesday to outline a strategy to protect the federal funds that the island receives, especially those destined for health programs.
“The governor’s commitment is clear: we cannot backtrack on the progress we have made,” Boffelli said in a written statement. “We have three years left in the current Medicaid funding agreement and we must act now to ensure its long-term stability.”
The meeting followed the issuance of a memorandum by the White House budget office on Monday that raised concerns about its potential impact on the allocation of funds for the island. Meanwhile, the White House later on Wednesday rescinded that directive, which froze trillions of dollars in federal grants and loans, after the order sparked mass confusion and legal challenges, according to the New York Times (see related story on page 6).
As part of the plan, PRFAA and the Department of Health said they would analyze the scope of the memorandum, coordinate efforts with Congress and the White House to advance the discussion on funding parity, and strengthen alliances with health entities and community organizations.
The current Medicaid funding agreement, approved in July 2021, established that the federal government provides 76% of the funding, but the Puerto Rico government seeks parity with the states to ensure that citizens on the island receive the same level of support as mainland U.S. residents.
“The stability of our health system depends on these funds,” Ramos said. “We cannot wait until the last minute. Our strategy is already underway.”
In addition to Medicaid funding, PRFAA and the Health Department will evaluate new federal funding opportunities to strengthen programs targeting people with intellectual disabilities and seniors. In the coming weeks, they will intensify lobbying efforts in Congress alongside Gov Jenniffer González Colón to ensure the continuity and increase of federal funding for the island.
“We will be knocking on doors and defending every dollar that belongs to Puerto Rico,” Boffelli said. “The health of our people is not negotiable.”
