Paterson seeks to expand state health coverage

ALBANY - More New Yorkers who are too poor for private insurance and not poor enough for Medicaid could get health coverage under Gov. David Paterson's budget proposal, despite the state's sprawling economic woes.

Despite leaving hospital and health providers reeling at suggested cuts and decreased Medicaid reimbursements, Paterson is also pushing two ways to expand coverage for adults.

The proposal would allow more 19- and 20-year-olds who don't live with their parents to enroll in Family Health Plus, the state health care plan. Dr. Richard Daines, the state commissioner of Health, said that change would cost the state about $5 million in the short term, but save much more by preventing illness later on.