His doctor suggested that he talk with the local Division of Family Resource office about Medicaid. Jim wasn’t sure if he would be eligible because he was working and his employer had taken him back on a reduced work week. Still, the mounting medical expenses overcame his fear and he made the call to the local Division of Family Resources. The caseworker at his local office helped him with the necessary paperwork (financial information and medical information) and he was eventually determined eligible for Medicaid.

The fear of losing your health insurance can sometimes keep you from even wanting to try to go to work. But Jim found out that you can work and keep your Medicaid through called MED Works program. When he went into his local caseworker to apply for Medicaid, the caseworker reviewed his income to find out if he was eligible. Through MED Works, he paid a small monthly premium to keep his Medicaid coverage. MED Works is a flexible program, and adjusts the premium based on the changes his and his wife’s combined income.

Because of his work history, Jim receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The monthly cash benefit greatly helps his family but Jim wanted to go back to work. He loves working outdoors and though his disability has forced him to reduce his hours, he wants to see how his strength holds up as he goes back to work. The Social Security Disability Insurance work incentive rules are his safety nets as he returns to the job he loves. Through Social Security Disability Insurance, he has a Trial Work Period. This will let him see how much he can work and maintain his health without fear of losing his cash benefits. After he completes his Trial Work Period, he can use other work incentives available to him under the Social Security Disability Insurance program.