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 MEDICAID BUY-IN
PASSED IN HEALTH
BUDGET DEAL
ALBANY, NY - January 29, 2002.
The recent health care budget deal
contained a Medicaid Buy-In program for New Yorkers with disabilities. The
buy-in eliminates what has been a long-standing health care barrier to work, a
major contributor to the 70% unemployment rate faced by people with
disabilities.
No private employer health care plan
provides for items such as personal attendant services or expensive
medications. In order to have their health care needs met, a person would have
to sacrifice gainful employment and live in poverty just to qualify for
Medicaid coverage. Over the years, the loss of human potential to our society
has been immeasurable.
Many people deserve thanks and
recognition for this significant policy change. The Governor, Majority Leader,
and Speaker reached agreement during the negotiation. The rank and file members
of the legislature provided strong support. In particular, Assembly Speaker
Sheldon Silver was instrumental in making sure that the buy-in was included in
the agreement. Pictured above, the Speaker received an award for his efforts at
the NYAPRS Legislative Day.
The buy-in allows people with
disabilities enrolled in the program to keep their Medicaid coverage as they
work and earn up to 250% above the federal poverty level. Individuals who earn
up to approximately $25,000 will not have to pay a premium, while those earning
up to $44,000 as an individual or $58,000 per couple will have to pay a premium
for coverage based on their income. A person can also save up to $10,000 and
maintain coverage. It becomes effective in April 2003. |
