U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Improving the health, safety, and well-being of America
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U.S. Department of Health & Human Services |
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Improving the health, safety, and well-being of America |
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wedneday, July 25, 2001 |
Contact: | CMS Press Office (202) 690-6145 |
The first round of grants was awarded to 25 states last year. States receiving this second round of awards include: California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia.
The grants advance the goals of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (TWWIIA), a law passed by Congress to encourage people with disabilities to work without fear of losing their Medicare, Medicaid or similar health benefits.
"It is simply good social policy to assist workers with disabling conditions to get or keep jobs," said Secretary Thompson. "It's also good for business, because employers can tap a pool of candidates who want to work. I am proud to be a part of the administration's New Freedom Initiative by assisting people with disabilities to support themselves and live independently."
The grants will help states build the systems they need to allow individuals with a disability to purchase health coverage through Medicaid at affordable rates. People with a disabling condition often cite the fear of losing health coverage as one of the major barriers to a possible return to work.
"Actions taken by the federal government and states that provide opportunities to individuals with disabling conditions to maintain employment or get a job should send a positive, encouraging message to the business community. We hope that employers will respond by hiring these individuals," said Thomas Scully, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
The grants can be used to build systems that provide personal assistance and supports. Such assistance can include help with bathing, dressing and other activities at home or on the job. States can also use the funds to reach out to people with a disability, train staff in new employment possibilities, and improve transportation or other support programs.
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