NEW YORK, NY November 28, 2005 —Later this week, Governor Pataki will decide whether to apply for a Medicaid program that helps the poor get healthcare.

New York is the only state that lets community groups and HMO's fill out the paperwork for Medicaid applicants. The procedure, called "facilitated enrollment," has helped hundreds of thousands of people receive healthcare. But it has also doubled Medicaid expenses to more than $2 billion statewide over the last decade.

In all other states, enrollees must apply by themselves. New York's waiver from the federal government expires next year. Governor Pataki has not said whether he will re-apply but has given indications that he favors other alternatives. State officials have said they will decide by Thursday, December 1st. Healthcare systems and advocates and the city of New York want to continue facilitated enrollment.

They say more people in Medicaid may be expensive, but having completely uninsured people getting medical treatment in emergency rooms costs even more. For WNYC, I'm Fred Mogul.