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Pennsylvania offers medical assistance benefits for workers with disabilities

July 11, 2016

For people with disabilities, finding a job or returning to work can be a challenge. The Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) program lets Pennsylvanians with disabilities take a job, earn more money and continue to keep their full medical coverage. With MAWD, you can keep medical assistance while you work, even if your earnings increase above the limits for other medical assistance programs. Therefore, you do not have to choose between a job and your health.

You can apply by contacting your local county assistance office or the Department of Public Welfare hotline at (800) 692-7462 for more information. TTY/TTD users can call (800) 451-5886.

To be eligible for MAWD, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years of age but less than 65
  • Be employed and receiving compensation
  • have a disability that meets Social Security Administration standards
  • Have countable income below 250% of the federal poverty income guidelines
  • Have $10,000 or less in countable resources (resident property and one automobile are not countable assets)

The cost does involve a monthly premium since it functions like a health insurance policy for someone who is working. The premium is affordable and is 5% of your countable monthly income.

Benefits under this program may include:

  • Doctor visits
  • Durable medical equipment
  • Prescription drugs
  • Emergency care
  • Mental health services
  • Dental services
  • Drug & alcohol treatment
  • Hospital stays
  • Rehabilitation services
  • Hospital services
  • Medical transportation services

Although a Social Security standard is noted, it does not mean you have to apply for Social Security Disability. However, we find that many people do have trouble maintaining a job and may ultimately need our guidance in apply for Social Security Disability.

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