Measure Aims to Eliminate Barriers to Employment for Working People with Disabilities

A bipartisan-sponsored measure moving in both chambers would allow certain working individuals with developmental disabilities to maintain Medicaid eligibility while earning additional income. Enrollees in the program would be allowed to keep their home and community-based Medicaid waiver services while employed, as long as their income does not exceed 550% of the federal SSI benefit rate. $13,000 in assets for an individual or $24,000 for a married couple, plus retirement accounts recognized by the IRS, would be excluded from eligibility consideration.

SB 1016 by Senator Jennifer Bradley (Fleming Island) was passed unanimously this week by the Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee. HB 915 by Rep. Allison Tant (Tallahassee) was passed unanimously by the House Health Care Budget Subcommittee.