Workers With Disabilities Medicaid Coverage

The North Dakota Medicaid Program's Workers with Disabilities Coverage allows some individuals with disabilities who want to work, or who are already working and who want to increase their earnings, to do so without fear of losing their Medicaid coverage. Many would not be able to work without needed medical care, and could not afford that care without Medicaid assistance.

Approved by the 2003 North Dakota Legislature and implemented June 1, 2004, this coverage enables workers with disabilities to obtain or maintain their Medicaid coverage if they each pay a one-time enrollment fee and monthly premiums.

Who Is Eligible?

• People between age 16 and 65 who have a disability as specified by Social Security Administration guidelines; and
• Who are gainfully employed (for criteria contact your county social service office); and
• Who have family net income not more than 225% of the Federal Poverty Level .

To Participate, Individuals:

• Pay a one-time $100 enrollment fee, and
• Pay a monthly premium equal to 5 percent of the individual's gross (pre-tax) income

To Apply:

• Contact your county social service office and use the standard Medicaid application form

NOTE: If you are already covered by Medicaid but have high cost-sharing requirement (recipient liability) you may be able to switch to this new Medicaid coverage option without completing an application. You should contact your county social service office.

Participant Data:

As of November 2005, 330 people were enrolled, and the average monthly premium was $59.51. Minot State University's Center for Persons with Disabilities applied for and received grant funding to promote enrollment.

Background On The Workers With Disabilities Coverage Program:

• Sponsored by Senator Judy Lee of Fargo and Representative Clara Sue Price of Minot and approved by the 2003 North Dakota Legislature
• Championed by Minot State University's Center for Persons with Disabilities, which has a Medicaid Infrastructure Grant from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to help states address employment barriers for people with disabilities
• Was scheduled to expire June 2005, however the 2005 state legislature reauthorized the coverage and removed the expiration date.

LINK: Minot State University, Center for Persons with Disabilities Medicaid Infrastructure Grant http://www.ndcpd.org/medicaid/

 

 Top of page    Back to previous page