Key Programs

This section introduces:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Medicaid
• Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities (MBIWD), and
• Private health care coverage.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is the most important income support benefit for young people with disabilities. Even if you have never had a job, you may be able to get SSI. Even if you are under 18 and live with your parents, you may be able to get SSI.

Who it helps

People who have disabilities or are blind may not be able to work or afford to live on their own. If you have a disability, don’t have enough money for your basic needs, don’t have much income, and have limited resources, you may be able to get SSI. (If you are under 18, your parents also must have low income and limited resources for you to qualify for SSI.)

What it provides

If you qualify, SSI gives you money each month to help with your expenses, like food and rent. If you get SSI benefits, you also qualify automatically for Medicaid.

Learn more about SSI eligibility.

Medicaid

Medicaid is the most important public health benefit for young people with disabilities.

Who it helps

Medicaid is for people who cannot afford medical expenses, including people who have disabilities, are young, or are pregnant. Generally, to get it, you or your family must have low income. If you get SSI benefits, you automatically qualify for Medicaid.

What it provides

If you qualify, Medicaid pays for your medical expenses, including visits to the doctor, hospital stays, prescription drugs, medical equipment, and other medical services.

Learn more about Medicaid eligibility.

Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities (MBIWD)

MBIWD lets you get a job and keep your Medicaid health coverage.

Who it helps

MBIWD is for people with disabilities who have jobs. The income limit is much higher than with standard Medicaid, but you have to pay a monthly premium. The amount of your premium depends on your income.

What it provides

MBIWD pays for the same services that standard Medicaid covers, including visits to the doctor, hospital stays, medical equipment, and other medical services.

Learn more about MBIWD eligibility.

Private Health Coverage

Private health insurance is the most common way people get health coverage.

Who it helps

People get private health coverage in different ways. Some get it through their jobs, others get it from their parents’ employers, and some sign up for it on their own at HealthCare.gov. If you get an individual health plan, the government may help pay your monthly premium through tax subsidies. Note: There is no income limit for getting subsidies that help pay individual coverage premiums. (Before 2021, the limit was 400% of FPG.) To get subsidies, you still must meet other eligibility rules and the premium amount you pay depends on your income and your plan.

What it provides

Private health coverage pays for some of your medical costs when you see doctors, vist other health care providers, do lab tests, or get prescription medicines at a pharmacy. Depending on your private health plan, your coverage may pay for almost all of your medical expenses or for just a part of those expenses.

Learn more about private health coverage.