Medicaid Buy In - 7/28/08

INTRO: At 65, you'll be eligible for Medicare.  But before then, if you are one of the 1.3 million Ohioans without health insurance, you are facing financial catastrophe.  One illness or injury could wipe you out. 

1. TELL US ABOUT THE MEDICAID BUY-IN FOR WORKER'S WITH DISABILITIES PROGRAM.

A. This is such an important program, and lots of people just don't know it even exists.  It provides health care under Medicaid for people with a disability.  Historically, people with disabilities would lose their Medicaid coverage if they worked and earned money.  But this special program enables Ohioans with disabilities to work and still keep their Medicaid.

2. WHO'S ELIGIBLE?

A. There are a number of requirements.

You must:

• Be between 16 1and 64.
• Have a disability as defined by Social Security.
• Be working full or part time.
• Be earning $26,000 or less.
• Have no more than $10,000 in resources.

3. $10,000 IN RESOURCES ISN'T MUCH.  DOES THAT MEAN YOU CAN'T OWN A HOUSE OR CAR?

A. No.  There are many assets that are not counted against the $10,000 limit.  For example, your home that you're living in is exempt, up to $500,000 in value.  So that covers just about everyone.  You can keep your car up to $4500 in value.  And in many cases, your 401k and pension plan won't be counted.

4. IF WE QUALIFY FOR MEDICAID, WHAT HEALTH CARE IS COVERED?

A. Just about anything and everything.  Medicaid actually provides comprehensive coverage.  You may have to pay a small premium, but that usually does not create any problem.

5. HOW CAN OUR VIEWERS GET MORE INFORMATION?

A. Contact the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, 1-877-852-0010.  Or go to their website at: jfs.ohio.gov, click on Ohio Medicaid, then click on consumers, and then under programs you'll see the Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities. 

CLOSE: Ohio's offering a new program which might help you get health care coverage.  Don't miss out.