Ala. Code § 22-6-251

The Legislature finds that it is in the best interest of the State of Alabama that the Alabama Medicaid Agency is not forced to reduce payments to medical providers or eliminate optional but essential medical benefits to Medicaid recipients when the fiscal year appropriation is insufficient to continue the operations of the Medicaid program. It is the intent of the Legislature that there be a Medicaid Emergency Reserve Fund to ensure the continued operation of the Alabama Medicaid Agency during budget shortfalls.