MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES

HARRISBURG, JULY 28 – State Sen. Connie Williams wants people to be aware of a program for people with disabilities that allow them to take a fulfilling job, earn more money and still keep their full medical coverage.

Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities allows disabled Pennsylvanians to keep Medicaid while they work, even if their earnings increase above the limits for other Medicaid programs.

“With MAWD, those who qualify can work and still maintain the healthcare coverage that is so important to them,” Williams said.

To be eligible applicants must:

• be between 16 and less than 65

• be employed and receiving compensation

• have a disability that meets the Social Security Administration’s standards

• have countable income below 250 percent of the federal poverty level

• have $10,000 or less in countable resources (resident property and one automobile are not countable assets

People who sign up for MAWD will pay a monthly premium for coverage. The premium is 5 percent of countable monthly income. Program benefits include doctor visits, durable medical equipment, prescription drugs, emergency care, mental health services, dental services, drug and alcohol treatment, hospital stays, rehabilitation services and medical transportation services.

To apply, people should contact their local county assistance office, or online at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services at www.compass.state.pa.us.