NWhat happens to my Medicaid if I return to work?

By Kelly Rouba

Today people with disabilities have more incentives than ever to get and keep a job. However, there is often confusion around how those benefits may interact with your Social Security benefits. What happens if I get a job? Will I lose my health insurance? Moreover, are there resources through the Social Security Administration that might help me with getting or keep a job?

So, “What happens to my Medicaid if I return to work?”

SSD (Supplemental Security Disability) recipients have a genuine concern about losing their Medicaid benefits should they return to work. In fact they are more fearful of losing health insurance coverage than of losing cash benefits. What you may not be aware of is that Medicaid is not automatically lost when you return to work.

If you are entitled to Medicaid from the state in which you live because you are on SSD, Medicaid coverage may continue even if your earnings are too high for a monthly check.

Thinking about returning to work? Want to keep your Medicaid coverage? Then Continued Medicaid Eligibility (Section 1619 (B)) is for you! This law, part of the Social Security Administration’s return-to-work rules, provides continued Medicaid coverage.

To qualify you need to:

• Have been eligible for SSI cash payment for at least 1 month
• Still be considered disabled
• Need Medicaid benefits so that you can work
• Show that your earnings from work do not provide enough income to replace cash received from SSD benefits, Medicaid, and attendant care services (publicly funded).
• Meet all other non-disability requirements for SSI

In order to determine if your earnings from work are enough to replace your benefits from SSD and Medicaid, the Social Security Administration uses a “threshold” amount. These amounts vary from state to state. You will be surprised at how much you can earn and still keep your Medicaid. To see the threshold amount in your state, or for additional information on this program, visit the Social Security website OR call the Social Security’s toll free number: 1 800 772-1213.

Continued Medicaid Eligibility (Section 1619 (B)) is just one of the many incentives available to you as a recipient of Supplemental Security Disability (SSD). Remember It’s always important to let Social Security know when you have returned to work.