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The approval will allow the state to make design changes expected to increase the enrollment by 4,000 new children. The state operates a SCHIP Medicaid expansion program. This new group will be in addition to the 8,394 already enrolled in the Idaho SCHIP program.

"President Bush and his administration will work closely with states to ensure local flexibility to get health insurance to children who need it," said Secretary Thompson. "This is just an example of how the federal government can let states make decisions that make sense for them and their citizens."

Idaho is eligible to receive over $20 million in federal funds for fiscal year 2001. SCHIP is historic, bipartisan legislation enacted in 1997. The SCHIP law appropriates $24 billion over five years to help states expand health insurance to children whose families earn too much for traditional Medicaid, yet not enough to afford private insurance. Idaho, like all states with SCHIP plans, will receive federal matching funds only for actual expenditures to insure children.

The SCHIP gives states three options for devising a plan to cover uninsured children: designing a new children's health insurance program; expanding Medicaid programs; or a combination of both strategies. HHS must approve any amendment to a state's CHIP program.

There are no premiums, copayments or other out-of-pocket costs to families in the Idaho program.

"Idaho's expansion demonstrates how popular this program is with states and how vital it has proven to be for the families enrolled," said Secretary Thompson. "Both states and the Bush administration are enthusiastic about this program to get access to health care to children."

SCHIP plans have now been approved for all the states and territories.

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