MAWD: Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities
For a person with a disability, finding a job or returning to work can be a challenge. For a long time, one of the biggest obstacles to working was health care coverage; earning too much money could mean losing health care benefits. There is an option: Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities, or MAWD, permits a Pennsylvanian with a disability to take a fulfilling job, earn more money, and keep full medical coverage. With MAWD, an individual can earn more and still be eligible for home and community-based services.
How to apply?
If you are already enrolled in Medicaid, contact your caseworker or your local County Assistance Office. They can check if you have a verified disability on your case and, if not, can help you update your case.
If you are not yet on Medicaid, you must apply. When completing your application, say you are interested in MAWD. This can be done:
In the comments section of a COMPASS application;
Verbally when applying by phone or in-person at a County Assistance Office; or,
In writing on a paper application.
Call the Department of Human Services HelpLine at 1-800-692-7462 (TTY/TTD 1-800-451-5886) for more information.
Eligibility
To be eligible for MAWD, you must:
Be at least 16 years of age but less than 65
Be employed and receiving compensation
Have a disability that meets the Social Security Administration's standards*
Have countable income below 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines**
Have $10,000 or less in countable resources (resident property and one automobile are not countable assets)
* Disabilities may include physical or developmental disabilities, mental health or intellectual disabilities.
** Contact your caseworker or local county assistance office (CAO) for more information. You can apply for benefits online in a quick, easy and secure way using COMPASS.
What's the cost?
Monthly premium
Premium Vouchers are mailed monthly as long as you remain eligible for MAWD. There are two ways to pay your monthly premium, online and mail.
Online: In most cases you can pay your monthly premium online using a credit card or Telechek. Follow the instructions on the MAWD Online Flyer or click on the make payment link above.
Mail: Remit payment in the business reply envelope included with your monthly voucher.
Benefits may include:
Doctor visits
Durable medical equipment
Prescription drugs
Emergency care
Mental health services
Dental services
Drug and alcohol treatment
Hospital stays
Rehabilitation services
Hospice services
Medical transportation services