MR #09.03: Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD)

MR #09.03: Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD)

Summary:

  • Effective December 1, 2001, Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) began a medical program called, Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD).
  • Eligibility for HBWD is determined by the HFS HBWD Unit (Local Office 250).
  • Persons with disabilities may work and still receive medical coverage.
  • Persons eligible for HBWD receive the same medical benefits as other persons receiving AABD medical.
  • Effective December 1, 2001, the income standard for HBWD was 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) with a $10,000 asset limit.
  • Effective February 1, 2009, the income standard increases to 350% of the FPL and the asset limit increases to $25,000.
  • Beginning February 1, 2009 retirement accounts that an individual or spouse cannot access without penalty before age 59 1/2 and some Medical Savings Accounts are exempt (if established under 26 U.S.C. 220).
  • Persons who apply for AABD community medical, who have been on HBWD, are allowed to continue to exempt the assets they had when they left HBWD.
  • System changes have been made that will identify exempt assets for a person who was on HBWD who is applying for AABD community medical.
  • Persons eligible for HBWD are required to pay a monthly premium.
  • If an applicant is eligible for regular medical, with no spenddown, they will be referred to the Department of Human Services (DHS) Family Community Resource Center (FCRC) to apply.
  • The DHS FCRC staff may refer individuals who have questions about HBWD to 1-800-226-0768 (TTY 1-866-675-8440).