Health care coverage for adults who have a disability or are blind

To be considered a person with a disability or blind for MA you must be certified disabled through the Social Security Administration or the State Medical Review Team.

The income limit and whose income is counted depend on your age and who lives with you.

People who receive home and community-based waiver services or nursing home services may have different income rules.

Some people who have more income than the MA income limit can qualify using a spenddown (PDF). A spenddown lets you deduct certain medical expenses from your income. MA will pay for covered services after your income is at or below the income limit after deducting these medical expenses.

Yes, homes and cars are generally not counted toward the asset limit.

Yes, but you will have an asset limit. Retirement accounts may be considered differently than other assets.

For many people, the only cost is copays for some services. Depending on your income, there may be a monthly premium or spenddown.

After you are approved, coverage may:

• Go back to the date we get your application
• Go back three months from the date we get your application
• Begin the month after you are approved, or pay your first premium if you have one

Call your county or tribal office if you have questions about when coverage can start.

You may still get coverage. You must tell us if you:

• Have other health insurance
• Could be covered under someone else's insurance
• Could get coverage through an employer or military service

MA may be able to help pay the cost of your Medicare or other insurance so you can keep that coverage.