ALBANY, N.Y., September 10 – Governor Eliot Spitzer today met with members of New Yorks congressional delegation to plan the states next steps in a campaign to oppose a Bush Administration ruling that sets certain guidelines for states wishing to expand eligibility for the State Childrens Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The governor met with Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Congressman Edolphus Towns, Congressman Jerrold Nadler, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Congressman Gregory Meeks.

We simply cannot stand by and watch 70,000 New York children lose access to the health insurance that the state fought so hard to give them this year, said Spitzer. Together, with New Yorks congressional delegation, we will ensure that the issue remains at the forefront of the national agenda. We will continue reaching across state borders, and, if necessary, making the case in the courts to ensure that the nations 11 million children have access to check-ups, immunizations, and developmental screenings that put them on the path to a brighter, healthier future.

Last month, new federal rules were announced governing the expansion of state plans under the federal SCHIP, blocking New Yorks expansion of childrens health insurance, as well as expansions or pending plans in 17 other states and the District of Columbia. In a letter distributed to the states by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the administration outlined concerns that expansion of SCHIP without instituting eligibility verification guidelines could lead to coverage of people under the plan who are otherwise eligible for private coverage.

Last week the federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) rejected New Yorks request to expand its eligibility for SCHIP, known in New York as Child Health Plus. Under the New York plan approved earlier this year by the states Legislature, approximately 70,000 children in families earning up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level would be provided access to health insurance.

Spitzer said that state officials are continuing efforts to aggressively reach out and enroll all those uninsured children who are eligible for coverage under current state and federal rules.