In December 1999, the Health Care Reform Act of 2000 (HCRA) was signed into law, becoming the most comprehensive healthcare legislation in the country. Because of the success of Child Health Plus, the governor introduced a bold new initiative called Family Health Plus to make sure that nearly one million uninsured adult New Yorkers receive the quality health care they deserve.

Under the governor's program, low-income, working adults between the ages of 19 and 65, who do not have health insurance through their employers, yet have an income level disqualifying them for other public programs, may qualify for this health program.

In order to join Family Health Plus, a person's gross annual income level must fit into a specific category. For example, when the program is fully phased in, single, childless adults with an income up to $8,590 will be eligible for Family Health Plus, and a family of four with an income of $23,475 would also be eligible for the new program.

Those who join the program must be ineligible for Medicaid, or eligible only because of high medical costs. If you are currently enrolled in a managed care plan providing either Child Health Plus or Medicaid Managed Care, you may also apply for Family Health Plus.

By doing this, parents and children, who are covered under separate insurance, will be covered under the same plan, thus receiving the same quality healthcare services. One thing to keep in mind: There is no cost to join, and no out-of-pocket expenses like co-payments. However, it is important to realize that you cannot drop your current health insurance to join Family Health Plus.

The services that will be covered in Family Health Plus include:

* Physician and nurse practitioner services:

* Inpatient and outpatient health care;

* Prescription drugs;

* Vision, speech and hearing services;

* Lab tests and X-rays;

* Durable medical equipment;

* Emergency room and emergency ambulance services;

* Drug, alcohol and mental health treatment;

* Diabetic supplies and equipment; Radiation therapy, chemotherapy and hemodialysis; and

* Dental services.

Beginning June 1, New Yorkers may call the state Health Department's Family Health Plus Hotline, at 1-877-9FHPLUS, or 1-877-934-7587, to receive information about the program and place their name and address on an application list.

The department will begin a broad-based outreach program shortly and will be working with community-based groups and advocacy organizations to encourage increased awareness and interest in the program. After federal readiness reviews this summer, the department expects to begin formally accepting applications by Sept. 1, and will have the program fully operational by Oct. 1, 2001.

I truly hope those who can benefit from Family Health Plus will take advantage of this opportunity to receive the best quality health care available.