; and (II) how to improve such a program for purposes of a State seeking assistance pursuant to subsection (e)(2). (C) Report The Secretary shall annually report to Congress concerning actions taken by the Secretary with respect to applications for waivers, and programs conducted through waivers granted, under this section. Each such report shall include, with respect to any action by the Secretary so taken, with respect to an application, that was not consistent with the recommendations of the Panel under subsection (g), with respect to such application, the reasons such action was taken. (5) Regional waiver request and plan Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent two or more States in a region from submitting a single application under this section for a waiver that establishes a plan that is applicable to all of the States included in such application. In the case of such an application and plan, the requirements of this section shall continue to be applicable with respect to each State included in such application. (6) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for providing funds to States with a waiver under this section for purposes of carrying out activities described in subsection (b)(1)(E). (b) Granting of waivers (1) In general The Secretary may grant a request for a waiver under subsection (a)(1) only if the Secretary determines that the State plan— (A) will provide, in accordance with subparagraph (B), health benefits coverage to State residents that is at least as comprehensive as the health benefits coverage that such residents would have received under the specified Federal health program (as defined in subsection (i)(4)) for which such residents would have been eligible, absent such waiver