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The waiver will expand coverage under New York's Family Health Plus to an estimated 352,000 uninsured parents with income up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level. Another 267,000 without children and with income at or below the federal poverty level also are now eligible for coverage.

"Governor Pataki developed an innovative solution to providing health care coverage to New York families who need it most," Secretary Thompson said. "We are building on President Bush's promise to build a partnership with the states and renewing our commitment to giving states the flexibility they need to find the best way to provide insurance to their residents."

Family Health Plus will provide health coverage for those who do not have health insurance through their employers but make too much to be eligible for traditional Medicaid coverage. Family Health Plus will help assure that single adults and parents are able to receive the same health care as children in New York.

The waiver will cover childless adults at or below the poverty level, as well as uninsured parents at 120 percent of the federal poverty level, once the state begins to enroll residents. Uninsured parents at 133 percent of the federal poverty level will be eligible on Oct. 1, and uninsured parents at 150 percent of the federal poverty level will be eligible on Oct. 1, 2002.

Single adults without children with an income of $8,590 are eligible for Family Health Plus, and a family of four with an income of $26,000 would be eligible for the program.

President Bush and Secretary Thompson are committed to being responsive to states, including fair and timely review of waiver proposals and state plan amendments. Waivers allow states to offer care to residents who would not otherwise be eligible for the program.

While some waivers in the past have taken years to review, Secretary Thompson has begun a review of the process in order to eliminate unnecessary delays. Secretary Thompson has approved 350 state plan amendments or waiver requests since taking office Feb. 2.

Medicaid is a state-federal partnership that pays for health and long-term care services to certain low-income individuals, including children, the elderly and people with disabilities. States and the federal government share the cost of the program, and each state administers its Medicaid program.

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