Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD)

“WHAT IS THE MEDICAID FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES PROGRAM?

Montana’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program (MWD) recognizes the employment potential of people with disabilities. The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA) and the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (TWWIIA) allow states to provide Medicaid coverage to working individuals with disabilities who, because of their earnings, cannot qualify for Medicaid under other laws or programs. Montana’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program is based on the Balanced Budget Act.

Medicaid eligibility is important because Medicaid is a program that covers typical health care expenses for individuals and families with limited incomes, including adults and children with disabilities. In addition, Medicaid covers many disability-specific services and supports not covered by private pay insurance, including things like personal assistance and developmental disability services. The fear of losing Medicaid coverage is one of the primary reasons many adults with disabilities are afraid or reluctant to gain employment.”