Eligibility
To be eligible for MA-EPD, you must:
- Be certified disabled by either the Social Security Administration or the State Medical Review Team
- Be employed and have required taxes withheld or paid from earned income
- Have monthly earnings of more than $65 on average over a six month period
- Pay a premium (American Indian or Alaska Natives are exempt from paying a premium)
- Pay an unearned income obligation if required
What is the income limit?
There is no income limit for MA-EPD.
What is the asset limit?
Effective January 1, 2024, there is no asset limit for MA-EPD.
What does MA-EPD cost?
Premiums
Most people pay a monthly premium for MA-EPD. Premiums are based on your income and household size. The amount is set by a sliding-fee scale or a minimum of $35, whichever is greater. There is no maximum premium amount for MA-EPD.
You can estimate your premium using the MA-EPD monthly premium estimator. For an actual amount, contact your county or tribal office.
An American Indian or Alaska Native who provides verification of this status is not required to pay a premium.
Unearned income obligation
If you have unearned income like Social Security Disability, you must pay one-half of one percent of your unearned income each month. To calculate the unearned income obligation, multiply your total unearned income by .005. This cost is in addition to the monthly premium.
Copays
You may also have copays for some services.
Can I have other insurance and still get MA-EPD?
Yes, you may have private, group or employer-subsidized health insurance in addition to MA-EPD. Many services that are not covered by other insurance policies may be paid for by MA-EPD.
If you have other health insurance, that insurance must be used first, following the rules of that primary plan (e.g., must use network providers, obtain referral or authorization as required, etc.). Then services not covered may be paid through MA-EPD.
When does coverage start?
You must pay your premium or give proof of your American Indian or Alaska Native status before your coverage starts. Coverage may go back three months from the date we get your application. Call your county or tribal agency if you have questions about when coverage can start.
What if I lose my job or cannot work because of a medical condition?
Job loss
If you are enrolled in MA-EPD and you lose your job through no fault of your own (you did not quit or get fired), you may stay on MA-EPD for up to four months while looking for another job. If you do not have a job after four months, you cannot be on MA-EPD.
Medical leave
If you become unable to work because of a medical condition, you may stay on MA-EPD for up to four months. You must have a written, signed doctor's statement that says you are expected to return to work within four months. If you cannot return to work within four months, you cannot be on MA-EPD.
How does working affect other benefits?
For information on how working may affect other benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, Social Security Income, Minnesota Supplemental Aid, private disability insurance, subsidized housing, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and veteran benefits, go to Disability Benefits 101.
