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News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2004

Contact: CMS Public Affairs
(202) 690-6145

HHS Approves Texas Plans to Help More Disabled Individuals at Home

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today approved a Texas plan to provide help to disabled individuals so they can remain in their homes and out of institutions.

"This waiver will give thousands of additional Texans the kind of benefits that they need so that they can continue to live in their homes and communities," Secretary Thompson said. "It supports President Bush's New Freedom Initiative, which aims at eliminating barriers that can prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in all parts of community life."

The new Texas Medicaid home and community-based services waiver will provide services to persons who are developmentally disabled or mentally retarded who otherwise would require care in a nursing home or other institution. Those served under this waiver will receive respite care, minor home modifications, skilled nursing, adaptive aids, behavioral support, specialized therapies, dental treatment and other services.

The waiver will help nearly 4,000 state residents, many of whom are currently on waiting lists for these services.

In an effort to keep people in their communities, the Bush Administration has launched several initiatives including the New Freedom and Independence Plus initiatives that are aimed at helping individuals with disabilities live with greater personal control and freedom outside institutions.

Medicaid is a state-federal partnership to provide health care services to certain low-income populations, primarily children, disabled adults and the elderly. States and the federal government share the cost of the Medicaid program.

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Last Revised: February 17, 2004

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