Frequent Questions

Font Size Reduce Text Size Enlarge Text Size     Print Print     Download Reader PDF

This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, Sept. 28, 2001 		Contact: HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343

STATEMENT BY
HHS SECRETARY TOMMY G. THOMPSON
Regarding Census Bureau's Latest Statistics on the Uninsured

The Census Bureau data showing an increase in the number of persons with health insurance is good news. We are particularly encouraged by the increased number of America's children who are protected by health coverage.

President Bush is aggressively working to further reduce the ranks of the uninsured and we're making progress. Our commitment to using the waiver process to expand health coverage is paying immediate dividends. Since January, we've used waivers to give health insurance coverage to 1.5 million more people and expand health benefits to 3.5 million people. We're partnering with states to find common-sense ways to provide hard-working Americans with the health benefits their families need.

Our commitment to addressing the challenge of the uninsured does not end here. In August, we announced the new Health Insurance Flexibility and Accountability Initiative, which gives states more tools and flexibility to better coordinate their Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Programs to expand access to health care coverage, especially for low-income Americans who are the most likely to be without health insurance according to the Census figures. Reducing the number of uninsured Americans demands this kind of cooperation and innovation that we have pledged to pursue.

President Bush's budget also includes tax credits for working Americans to help make purchasing health insurance more affordable. In addition, it includes $124 million to increase the number of community health center sites by 1,200 nationwide with a long-term goal of doubling the number of low-income people who use the centers regardless of their ability to pay.

We're also prepared to aggressively address any challenges the Sept. 11 attacks or shifts in the economy may pose in terms of individuals needing health coverage. The administration is committed to making affordable health coverage available to all Americans and is working closely with the states to make it happen.

###

Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at www.hhs.gov/news.

horizontal line

HHS Home | Questions? | Contacting HHS | Accessibility | Privacy Policy | FOIA | Disclaimers | The White House | USA.gov | Helping America's Youth

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services - 200 Independence Avenue, S.W. - Washington, D.C. 20201