Medical Assistance Eligibility for Working Individuals with Disabilities

Working adults with disabilities can keep Medicaid

Florida creates the Working People with Disabilities program, effective upon becoming law. It helps adults with developmental disabilities keep Medicaid while working. You must be at least 18, be employed with earned income, and already have a qualifying Medicaid waiver. Qualifying coverage includes the developmental disabilities home and community-based services waiver, familial dysautonomia waiver, long-term care managed care program, developmental disabilities pilot program, and Florida Medicaid Model Waiver. Eligible adults are automatically enrolled, but participation is optional. To keep Medicaid through this program, monthly income cannot exceed 550 percent of the Supplemental Security Income Federal Benefit Rate. Florida disregards up to $13,000 in assets for an individual or $24,000 for a couple. Assets in IRS-recognized retirement accounts do not count. The Department of Children and Families must provide written notices at initial waiver enrollment and at least annually afterward. Adults already eligible when the law takes effect must receive notice within 90 days. Notices explain enrollment, eligibility, keeping Medicaid while working, optional participation, special needs trusts, and contacts for program help. The Medicaid agency must identify recipients receiving Supplemental Security Income and qualifying waiver services, and share needed information with the department.