U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Approves New York’s Request to Expand Medicaid to Working Individuals with a Disability

July 2003

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced on Wednesday, June 25, 2003, the approval of New York's plan to extend Medicaid benefits to thousands of the state's working disabled who otherwise would not have health care coverage.

"With this change, thousands of people with disabilities in New York will no longer have to choose between taking a job and having health care," Secretary Thompson said. "It is a top priority of this administration for those with disabilities to have every opportunity to live full, productive lives in their communities."

With the approval, New York officials expect more than 20,000 people to enroll in the new program over the next five years. The state will offer Medicaid to working disabled individuals who are at least 16 but less than 65 years of age with incomes up to 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Additionally, individuals could have assets up to $10,000. The Federal Poverty Level for 2003 is $8,980 for an individual.

"Today's approval will help people with disabilities achieve the same goals everyone shares: independence, self-reliance and greater control over one's own future," said Tom Scully, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the agency that oversees the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

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.

A total of 27 states now offer Medicaid to approximately 45,000 people with disabilities who work.

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.