State allows disabled to work, keep Medicaid eligibility

A new state program, known as Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities, will allow disabled Ohioans to work and still retain their Medicaid benefits (Source: “Disabled Ohioans can work and keep benefits,” Youngstown Vindicator, July 28, 2008).

The program was authorized by the General Assembly last year and began enrolling participants in April. It allows individuals with disabilities to earn up to $26,000 a year and still keep their Medicaid coverage. Those earning more than $15,600 a year are required to pay premiums, but those can be as low as $10 a month.

“It is going to provide a mechanism to empower disabled individuals to work and enjoy an opportunity to have personal and professional development in the workplace,” said Joe Caruso, executive director of the Burdman Group of Youngstown, which provides counseling and job-related services to mentally disabled people.