With Vice President Joe Biden at the helm, $15 billion from the recovery package will be freed up Wednesday for state Medicaid programs, President Obama says. President Obama has turned to his own vice president to oversee implementation of the $787 billion economic stimulus package, part of which will be available this week for state Medicaid programs.
Vice President Joe Biden, in his new role, would meet regularly with key members of the Cabinet, governors and mayor to make sure their efforts are speedy and effective. He is expected to make regular reports to the president that will be posted online at www.recovery.gov.
With Biden at the helm, $15 billion from the recovery package will be freed up Wednesday for the health care programs, Obama said Monday. The administration projects the money will help states struggling with budget deficits and maintain Medicaid coverage for 20 million recipients.
Obama also appointed Earl Devaney, the inspector general at the Interior department, to serve as watchdog for the distribution of the funding.
Obama spoke Monday at at the conclusion of a conference of the National Governors Association.