For many individuals with disabilities, the decision to seek employment can be daunting. Concerns about losing essential health coverage often discourage people from entering the workforce. Fortunately, Montana’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) program provides a solution, allowing individuals with disabilities to work while maintaining their Medicaid benefits.
What is the Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) Program?
The Montana MWD program, established in 2010, enables individuals with disabilities to ‘buy into’ Medicaid through a small monthly cost share instead of losing health coverage when they start earning income. This allows participants to work, earn wages, and gain financial independence while ensuring continued access to essential healthcare services.
Who is Eligible for the Program?
- Disability Status: Must meet Social Security’s disability criteria or would qualify as disabled if not for current employment.
- Age: Must be 16 years or older.
- Employment: Must be employed or self-employed and able to verify employment.
- Income Limit: Must have a countable income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
- Resource Limits: Must meet resource limits (though retirement accounts are exempt from consideration).
- Residency: Must be a Montana resident and not living in a medical institution.
- Cost Share Fee: Must pay a monthly fee based on income, unless exempt (e.g., members of federally recognized tribes).
How Much Can Someone Earn and Still Qualify?
The 250% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) limit is adjusted annually. For 2025, the maximum allowable income per household size is:
| Household Size | 250% FPL (Annual) | 250% FPL (Monthly) |
| 1 | $39,125 | $3,260 |
| 2 | $52,875 | $4,406 |
| 3 | $66,625 | $5,552 |
| 4 | $80,375 | $6,698 |
How Much are the Cost Share Fees?
For 2025, the cost share fees have been set at:
|
Income Level (% of FPL) |
Monthly Income |
Monthly Cost Share Fee |
| Up to 100% | $0 – $1,305 | $35 |
| 100% – 150% | $1,306 – $1,957 | $67 |
| 150% – 200% | $1,958 – $2,610 | $100 |
| 200% – 250% | $2,611 – $3,260 | $135 |
Why is This Program Important?
People with disabilities often face barriers to employment, particularly when public benefits are at risk. Losing Medicaid coverage can be life-threatening, especially for individuals who rely on it for medication, personal care services, therapy, or assistive devices. The MWD program helps individuals work without fear of losing healthcare access.
Advantages of the MWD Program
- Encourages Workforce Participation: MWD allows working individuals to maintain coverage while earning wages.
- Promotes Economic Independence: Workers can earn money, save for the future, and improve their quality of life.
- Supports Self-Employment & Entrepreneurship: Self-employed individuals can participate as long as they pay Social Security and Medicare taxes.
- Provides Stability & Security Even if income fluctuates, participants can retain Medicaid under the program.
Concrete Situations Where MWD Makes a Difference
- Young Adults Transitioning to Work: Many young adults with disabilities are eager to work but fear losing benefits. MWD helps bridge the transition.
- Workers Who Need Personal Care Assistants: Those requiring assistance at home or work can keep their services while earning an income.
- Individuals with Chronic Conditions: People who need ongoing medical care, prescription drugs, or therapy can work without risking their access to healthcare.
How to Apply for MWD
- Contact Montana’s Office of Public Assistance (OPA) or visit their website at apply.mt.gov.
- Submit an application online, by mail, or in person.
- Provide proof of disability, income, and employment
- Determine cost-share fees based on your financial situation.
The Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) program is a game-changer for individuals with disabilities who want to work without fear of losing health coverage. By supporting employment, financial independence, and access to medical care, the program empowers individuals to lead full, independent lives. If you or someone you know could benefit, consider applying. LIFTT’s team will gladly help you complete an application and communicate with the OPA . To make an appointment with an Independent Living Specialist, call us in Billings at (406) 259-5181 or Glendive at (406) 948-8500 or send a message through liftt.org/contact today!
About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides aging and disabled members of the community with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south-central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Stillwater, Treasure, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app for your Apple or Android Device.