Editorial: Plan provides help for disabled workers

Monday, March 3, 2003 | 8:52 a.m.

There is a common complaint among working people who are severely disabled and require health coverage under Medicaid. If they work a few hours longer each week, or if they get a raise, they risk exceeding the amount of income they can earn and still remain eligible for Medicaid. A few dollars more a week in salary can cost them their insurance, which, of course, they cannot do without. The income limit is a disincentive for them to work, which is frustrating. They enjoy being productive and having the opportunity to work, even if the job is part time and the salary relatively low.

Gov. Kenny Guinn has added enough money in his Medicaid budget to generate more than $10 million when combined with federal matching funds. The money will be used to allow disabled people to continue on with their Medicaid insurance even if they do work a little longer. In some cases, disabled people will have to pay a premium to continue with Medicaid, but at least they won't lose their coverage. Guinn's proposal, now before the legislative budget committees, would be a godsend for disabled people.