Medicaid for workers with disabilities is available in most states, often known as a Medicaid Buy-In Program. In Missouri, this program is called the Ticket to Work Health Assurance Program. The program is available for people with disabilities ages 16-64 who still wish to work. There are both medical and financial eligibility requirements. The disability must be defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as a mental or physical impairment that prevents substantial gainful activity and must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months. As long as the beneficiary’s countable income is below 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL), they are eligible for the program without a spend down. Countable income can include earned income like wages, or unearned income like SSDI or pensions. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is not counted. These health insurance plans do have monthly premiums for those whose income is at least 100% of the FPL. There is also a resource limit (asset limit), which in Missouri is approximately $6,000. Enrollment in these Medicaid services usually guarantees many health benefits, like emergency room care, primary care, behavioral health care and preventative care.
For older adults, other Medicaid programs are available, although they usually have lower income limits. Medicare is also available for nearly all US residents over 65 years of age. Medicaid enrollees who are over 65 and are working people with disabilities may be eligible for certain waiver services. For adults requiring long-term services like long-term care in a nursing home, a specific type of Medicaid called Vendor Medicaid is available. For more information, visit Medicaid.gov or your state’s official website for Medicaid.