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News Release

HHS APPROVES ARIZONA'S REQUEST TO EXPAND MEDICAID
TO WORKING INDIVIDUALS WITH A DISABILITY

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced approval of Arizona's plan to allow people with disabilities who return to work to retain their Medicaid coverage -- removing a key barrier to allow more disabled Arizonans to lead productive lives.

"Now, hundreds of people in Arizona will be able to return to work without fear of losing access to medical care for a serious disabling condition," Secretary Thompson said. "This administration will continue to work with states to give Americans with disabilities the opportunity to live full, productive lives in their communities."

With today's approval, Arizona will offer Medicaid to eligible people with disabilities between the ages of 16 and 64 with family incomes up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level, with no limit on personal or family resources. For 2002, the federal poverty level is $8,860 for an individual.

Arizona officials expect over 700 people to enroll under the two new optional eligibility coverage groups during the first year. The basic coverage group is disabled individuals aged 16-64 who would, except for income, be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) -- a Social Security program for low-income aged, blind and disabled persons. Arizona will also cover the Medical Improvement Group, for those who cease to be eligible for the first group because of medical improvement, but whose condition, nonetheless, is severe.

"Today's approval will help people with disabilities achieve the same goals everyone shares: Independence, self-reliance and greater control of one's future," said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Tom Scully said.

The changes in the state Medicaid program approved today were authorized by the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 and support the goals of President Bush's New Freedom Initiative. The New Freedom Initiative is a government-wide effort to help provide persons with disabilities the tools they need to fully participate in their communities.

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

Last Revised: December 16, 2002