Millions of Americans with disabilities face a difficult choice: work and risk losing their Medicaid benefits, or remain on assistance to maintain essential healthcare coverage. Disability rights advocates are calling attention to income and asset caps within Medicaid buy-in programs, arguing that these limitations create a "poverty trap" that hinders financial independence.
Medicaid buy-in programs are designed to allow individuals with disabilities to work and still receive Medicaid coverage. However, strict income and asset limits often force people to choose between employment and healthcare. Advocates argue that these limits discourage work and prevent people with disabilities from building savings for the future. They propose reforms that would raise or eliminate these caps, allowing individuals to earn more without losing their vital healthcare benefits.
The debate over Medicaid eligibility for working individuals with disabilities highlights the complex challenges of balancing support and independence. Proponents of change believe that adjusting income and asset limits would empower people with disabilities to pursue employment opportunities and improve their overall quality of life. Opponents, however, raise concerns about the potential costs and impact on existing Medicaid resources. The discussion continues as policymakers consider ways to reform the system and better support the needs of working individuals with disabilities.
Working Could Cause People with Disabilities to Lose Medicaid
Advocates for people with disabilities are worried that current Medicaid rules create a "poverty trap." These rules limit how much money people with disabilities can earn or save while still receiving Medicaid benefits. This can make it hard for them to work and become more financially independent. Changes to these rules could help people with disabilities achieve greater economic security.
Source: Read the original article at CBS