Employment While Utilizing Medicaid Waivers

Employment While Utilizing Medicaid Waivers

Employment is a goal for many adults with disabilities — and maintaining waiver services while working requires careful planning. Changes in income can affect Medicaid eligibility, which in turn affects waiver enrollment. The relationship among earnings, Medicaid thresholds, and waiver status varies by state and waiver type.

In Pennsylvania, for example, the Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) program — sometimes called the Medicaid-Buy In program — allows individuals with disabilities who are employed to maintain Medicaid coverage even if their income would otherwise exceed standard eligibility limits, by paying a monthly premium based on income.

Leahy Life Plan helps individuals and families understand how employment affects waiver services and Medicaid eligibility, what protections and work incentive programs are available at the state level, and how to plan for employment transitions without unintentionally disrupting critical long-term supports.