The Department of Human Services has outright eliminated the asset limit for medical assistance applicants and enrollees under the Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD) program, according to an official announcement released by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Starting from January 1, 2024, individuals applying for MA-EPD won't need to worry about the amount of assets they own when determining eligibility.
For years, the program required individuals aged 21 or older to have less than $20,000 in assets to qualify, but this cap will now be removed, potentially allowing greater financial freedom and security for those in the workforce dealing with disabilities. This move was designed to help employed individuals with disabilities access necessary healthcare without being penalized for saving money or owning property. The eligibility for the program still includes other non-financial factors like state residency and citizenship or immigration status requirements, and applicants must earn more than $65 per month and pay a monthly premium, details of which are available at the DHS website.
While this strategic shift applies to MA-EPD, it's important to note that there is no change to asset limit policies for the Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) or for MA for people who are aged 65 or older, blind, or have a disability (MA-ABD), where asset limits and verifications are still in place. When MA-EPD enrollees stop working, or when they reach certain age thresholds, their eligibility will be reevaluated, the reevaluation process has been adjusted to be in line with the new policies, ensuring a seamless transition for those whose work circumstances change or who age out of the program.
Even as the department works to streamline the application and renewal process for MA-EPD, individuals interested in Medical Assistance for Long-Term Care Services (MA-LTC), including home and community-based service waivers, will still need to navigate the existing maze of eligibility factors, which remains unchanged despite the removal of the asset limit for other aspects of MA-EPD. The contact information for the Health Care Eligibility and Access Division is provided for those seeking further clarification.
Minnesota’s latest legal adjustments in this domain have been codified in the Laws of Minnesota 2023, which provide the legal backdrop for the policy changes set to take effect at the turn of the new year. For those seeking more detailed information, full bulletins and associated documents are accessible here.
