Feds approve Medicaid buy-in for workers with disabilities

Ohio has received Federal approval for workers with disabilities to buy-in to the state's Medicaid program. (Source: News release from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, March 14, 2008.) Effective April 1, workers with disabilities earning up to 250% ($26,000 in 2008) of the Federal Poverty Level may pay a monthly premium to continue Medicaid coverage. The bill creating the program was passed last year by the Ohio General Assembly and signed by Governor Ted Strickland. "Through this change, we are empowering thousands of Ohioans with disabilities to be able to work while maintaining their health benefits," said State Senator Steve Stivers (R-Columbus), sponsor of the bill authorizing the program. "I view this as a win-win for the state, because not only are we incentivizing people to work, which is good for the economy, but we are providing access to health care in a fiscally responsible way."