*This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.

1992.06.04 :  Applications -- Medicare Health Insurance Information Program

Contact: Bob Hardy (202) 245-6145
June 4, 1992

       HHS Secretary Louis W. Sullivan, M.D., today invited all
states and territories to apply for grants totaling $10 million to
help develop and carry out programs providing health insurance
information, counseling and assistance programs for Medicare
beneficiaries.
       The application deadline is July 10.  All jurisdictions that
submit acceptable applications will receive awards, which are
expected to be announced in September.  The grants will be
administered by the Health Care Financing Administration, the HHS
agency that directs the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
       "The new grant program is designed to help ensure that
beneficiaries are getting adequate and appropriate insurance
coverage," Secretary Sullivan said.
       "Funds can be used to provide information and counseling
related to Medicare, Medicare supplemental policies, Medicaid,
long-term care insurance and other benefits," Dr. Sullivan
explained. 
       States may request funds for two years to develop new health
insurance information, counseling and assistance funding, known as
the ICA grants program, or to enhance existing efforts.
       In the 1990 budget law setting up the two-year grant
program, Congress authorized $10 million for fiscal year *This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.
*This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.
1992. 
Funding for fiscal year 1993 depends on future congressional
appropriations.

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       HCFA has sent applications to the states, the District of
Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam and the Virgin Islands.

       "HCFA is interested in establishing or enhancing ICA grants
programs in all states and territories," said William Toby Jr.,
acting HCFA administrator.
       "The awards will consist of a fixed amount, plus a variable
amount averaging 10.75 cents per Medicare beneficiary residing in
that state or territory.  Supplemental funding is available to
encourage states to inform beneficiaries about existing coordinated
care programs," Toby added. 
       "HCFA emphasizes proposals with special provisions that are
advantageous to Medicare beneficiaries, such as informing them of
limitations on actual charges by physicians who do not agree to
accept the Medicare fee schedule as full payment for services,"
Toby said.
       Other efforts getting special attention will include
notification of poor beneficiaries about state assistance in paying
Medicare expenses.  The states and territories are required to
consider the special needs of rural areas and cost-effective ways
of providing ICA services to rural beneficiaries.

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