For people with disabilities, 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 meant risking losing health care benefits. However, there is an option: Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD).
MAWD lets Pennsylvanians with disabilities take a fulfilling job, earn more money and still keep their full medical coverage. With MAWD you can keep Medical Assistance while you work, even if your earnings increase above the limits for other Medical Assistance programs. Now you do not have to choose between a job and your health.
Helpful Links
- MAWD BROCHURE
- MAWD FAQ
- MAWD ONLINE FLYER
- MAKE A PAYMENT
- FAQs for MAWD Workers with Job Success Act 2021-69 of July 1, 2021 (Act 69)
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