CHIP: Federal Government Expands Children’s Insurance Program
HHS Secretary Donna Shalala Tuesday approved a proposal to expand California's Healthy Families Program. As a result, officials say Healthy Families California is eligible for as much as $850 million for FY 1999 -- enabling the state to enroll 132,000 additional low-income children by September 2001. Shalala said, "The Clinton administration and the states are working together to give children the health care they need to live longer, healthier lives. It's a pleasure to approve the California amendment and I look forward to more states expanding their CHIP programs in the future." The proposed amendment will raise the eligible family income from 200% to 250% of the federal poverty level, which is $16,700 for a family of four. HCFA administrator Nancy-Ann DeParle said, "The California amendment is a positive demonstration that CHIP is working and the states are enthusiastic about this program" (HHS release, 11/23).
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