MEAD
“This program is a lifesaver for me. I have been living on SSDI for over 13 years and barely receive enough money to get by. My savings with the MEAD program will change the way I live – I now have enough money to pay my bills and buy food for the month!”- David C., GSIL consumer
What is MEAD?
MEAD (Medicaid for Employed Adults with Disabilities) is a Medicaid coverage group that allows adults with disabilities to work to their fullest potential, save money, and still qualify for Medicaid. In general, the program makes a person with a significant disability who is employed eligible for Medicaid by expanding the eligibility requirements relative to income and resources. What this means is that you can work, save money, and you have the option to keep or obtain Medicaid coverage.
Who is eligible?
In order to be eligible for MEAD, you must meet the following criteria:
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Age requirement: 18 to 64 years old
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Employment status: Employed or self-employed, for pay. An applicant must be working at the time of application and continue to be working during the time period eligibility is being determined. In addition, the applicant must earn at least the federal minimum wage. Preparation for employment, such as participation in training or sheltered workshops, is not considered working.
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Medical criteria: The applicant must have a medical “impairment” that meets the Social Security Administration’s Listing of Impairments and this medical impairment must have persisted
or be expected to persist for 48 consecutive months.-
Net income: An applicant must earn not more than 450 percent of poverty level, which must be verifiable.
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Countable resources: Not to exceed $24,076 for an individual or $36,114 for a couple (adjusted annually in April) in 2008.
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How MEAD affects other benefits:
Changes in income may affect whether or not you pay a premium. It may also affect other benefits, such as Social Security, food stamps and housing assistance. You can find out more about the impact of earnings on your benefits by contacting the Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) Program Manager at Granite State Independent Living at 1-800-826-3700 (888-396-3459-TTY).
How to apply:
If you are working and already receiving Medicaid services through APTD or ANB, and you report a change in your income or resources that makes you ineligible, your Family Services Specialist (FSS) at your local New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services District office will determine if you are eligible for MEAD. Any changes in income must be reported to your FSS within 10 days. If you are not already receiving Medicaid services, you need to apply for MEAD at your local Health and Human Services district office.
For more information, call Granite State Independent Living at 1-800-826-3700 (888-396-3459-TTY) and ask for the Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) Program Manager.
MEAD Eligibility and Premiums
Use the first two tables below to help you determine if you are eligible for the MEAD (Medicaid for Employed Adults with Disabilities) program based on your income and resources. The third table will help you determine your premium amount.
Income Requirements
An individual's net income and spouse's net income, if living together, must not exceed 450 percent of the Federal Poverty Level Guidelines as noted below.
|
Group Size
|
Monthly Income at 450% of the FPL
|
Annual Income at 450% of the FPL
|
|---|---|---|
|
1
|
$3,900
|
$46,800
|
|
2
|
$5,250
|
$63,000
|
Resource Requirements
To be eligible for assistance under MEAD, an individual's countable resources must not exceed the limits below:
|
Group Size
|
Countable Resource Limit
|
|---|---|
|
1
|
$24,076
|
|
2
|
$36,114
|
Premiums
Medical coverage under MEAD requires no premium for individuals whose net income is less than 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level Guidelines*. Individuals whose net income is equal to or greater than 150 percent and less than or equal to 450 percent of the Federal Poverty Level Guidelines are required to pay a premium based on a sliding scale as noted below.
|
FPL % Range
|
Monthly Net Income
|
Annual Net Income
|
Monthly Premium
|
Annual Premium
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
< 150%
|
<$1,300
|
<$15,600
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
>150%-<200%
|
>$1,300-<$1,733
|
>15,600-<$20,800
|
$98
|
$1,176
|
|
>200%-<250%
|
>$1,733-<$2,167
|
>$20,800-<$26,000
|
$130
|
$1,560
|
|
>250%-<300%
|
>$2,167-<$2,600
|
>$26,000-<$31,200
|
$163
|
$1,956
|
|
>300%-<350%
|
>$2,600-<$3,033
|
>$31,200-<$36,400
|
$195
|
$2,340
|
|
>350%-<400%
|
>$3,033-<$3,467
|
>$36,400-<$41,600
|
$227
|
$2,724
|
|
>400%-<450%
|
>$3,467-<$3,900
|
>$41,600-<$46,800
|
$260
|
$3,120
|
*When a participant's annual adjusted gross income as defined by the IRS exceeds $75,000, that participant shall pay the full premium identified, which is calculated annually as 7.5 percent of the participant's adjusted gross income.
For more information, call Granite State Independent Living at 1-800-826-3700 (888-396-3459-TTY) and ask for the Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) Program Manager.