CHARLESTON -- Gov. Joe Manchin is appealing to Congress to keep federal stimulus dollars flowing into state Medicaid programs.

The National Governors Association wants to extend a temporary funding boost set to expire in December.

Manchin co-signed a letter from NGA that cites the "length and depth of the recession" in asking U.S. House and Senate leaders to continue the enhanced matching rate until mid-2011. That's when most states complete the next budget year.

"Additional federal Medicaid funds were critical for helping states avoid certain tax increases and cuts to core services that would have otherwise been necessary to balance state budgets," the Feb. 4 letter from Manchin and Vermont Gov. James Douglas said.

Douglas chairs the NGA, while Manchin is vice chair and in line to head the organization later this year. Their letter also requests greater leeway for states in managing these health insurance programs.

Medicaid can consume large shares of state spending, and West Virginia is among those states fearing a looming funding shortfall. The state's program mainly covers poor children and the disabled.

While seeking more for Medicaid, Manchin continues to question whether either taxpayers or Congress would support another round of stimulus legislation, spokesman Matt Turner said. The governor instead suggests a loan program that would reward states with zero interest if repaid within a certain time, Turner said.

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Gov. Joe Manchin is seen in this July 9, 2009 file photo at the Cabell County Courthouse.

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