Freedom to Work

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(No Transcript)
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Michigans New Medicaid Program for Working
Individuals with Disabilities
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• The Freedom to work for individuals with
  disabilities law enacted as Public Act 32 of
  2003
• Requires that a Medicaid program for working
  individuals with disabilities be established by
  January 1, 2004.

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Fruits of Collaboration

• An example of what collaboration can achieve
• Department of Community Health
• Department of Human Services
• Department of Labor and Economic Growth
  Michigan Rehabilitation Services
• Social Security Administration
• MiJob Coalition

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Eligibility Factors

• US citizen/qualified alien, Michigan resident,
  SS, non-institutional, etc.
• Disability determined by Social Security
• Aged 16 through 64
• Eligible for Medicaid without spend down
• Employed or self-employed
• Net UNEARNED countable income lt100 Federal
  Poverty Guideline

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On Freedom To Work Medicaid

• Asset (resource) limit of 75,000 with standard
  exclusions (house, car)
• No limit on retirement accounts recognized by the
  Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
• No EARNED income limit
• May pay a premium on a sliding scale based on
  earned income
• Keep net UNEARNED countable income limit lt100
  Federal Poverty Guideline

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Current Medicaid Services

• An individual enrolling in the Freedom to Work
  program will keep or obtain current Medicaid
  services.
• Current services do not include personal
  assistance services in the workplace.

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Monthly Premiums in 2005

• Premium payable on gross earnings above 3,995 a
  month (more if have allowable Impairment Related
  Work Expenses)
• Premiums start at 50 a month
• Maximum premium for gross earnings over 6,250 a
  month based on annual Medicaid cost of care

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What happens if you stop working?

• If you stop working because of medical necessity
  or involuntarily layoff, Medicaid services will
  continue for up to 24 months for each instance.

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How to Apply

• Apply to the Department of Human Services
  (formerly FIA) and ask for the Freedom to Work
  Medicaid program described in PEM 174.

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Before Enrolling

• Talk with a Benefits Planning Assistance and
  Outreach specialist
• The BPAO specialist will help you understand how
  working relates to your cash, medical, housing,
  food stamps or other benefits
• Working usually leads to more income and greater
  independence

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For more info

• Contact your local Department of Human Services
  office and ask about Freedom to Work Medicaid and
  PEM 174
• Call Michigan Protection and Advocacy Services,
  Inc. at 1-800-288-5923 for referral to a BPAO
  specialist in your area
• Visit this web site
• www.freedomtoworkmedicaid.com