May17,2001

The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.
President of the Senate
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. President:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, I have today vetoed Senate Bill 680 - Medical Assistance Program - Federally Qualified Health Centers - Cost Based Reimbursement.

This bill repeals current law that requires the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) to pay a federally qualified health center the difference between the payment received by the center from a Medicaid managed care organization (MCO) for services provided to MCO enrollees and the reasonable cost to the center in providing those services. DHMH must adopt a methodology to ensure federally qualified health centers are paid reasonable cost-based reimbursement that is consistent with federal law.

House Bill 1243, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign Senate Bill 680.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor