Bismarck, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today announced that the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has approved North Dakota?s request to expand eligibility for the Healthy Steps State Children?s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

The North Dakota Department of Human Services submitted an SCHIP State Plan amendment to CMS in March 2008. The agency typically approves State Plan changes on an individual basis. Governor Hoeven has worked with HHS Secretary Mike Leavett and other federal officials to secure their approval.



The higher eligibility level will allow uninsured children living in families with net incomes of up to 150 percent of the federal poverty to qualify. This is about $31,800 per year for a family of four. North Dakota families can deduct child care expenses, standard payroll taxes, court ordered and paid child support, among other things. Under some circumstances, families could qualify at up to 200 percent of gross income.

"This federal action is good news for North Dakota families," Hoeven said. "We expect about 800 additional uninsured children to gain coverage during the first year of this expansion."


This expansion becomes effective October 1, 2008, to coincide with the new federal fiscal year. Families with higher incomes can apply beginning this fall.

North Dakota legislators approved the expansion of SCHIP income eligibility levels during the 2007 legislative session (House Bill 1463). However, the North Dakota Department of Human Services needed federal approval in order to expand the number of covered children. North Dakota?s eligibility was previously based upon net income at 140 percent of poverty (about $29,600 for a family of four).

"The State of North Dakota has been working very hard to make this possible, and we appreciate CMS' approval of our state's request," said Carol K. Olson, executive director of the North Dakota Department of Human Services.

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