Cultivating Self Sustainability
The bill establishes new Medicaid “buy-in” coverage for disabled individuals eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) who enter the workforce, aged 16 through 64, whose earnings do not exceed 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and unearned income did not exceed 88 percent of the FPL.
A participant in the Medicaid buy-in program must be charged a premium based on a sliding scale once the participant’s earned income exceeds 100 percent of the FPL. Assets excluded, in addition to SSI, are: cash assets in the amount of $12,000 for a single individual and $18,000 for a couple; any retirement account recognized by the Internal Revenue Service; and a second vehicle for a couple.
The bill also requires the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to seek amendments to existing Medicaid waiver coverage groups that would allow those who are eligible under the proposed Medicaid buy-in program to be eligible to receive services provided under Medicaid waivers serving persons with disabilities. (See bill for details)
