If you have a disability and can work a couple of hours each month, then you might qualify for an insurance program called Medicaid for Working People with Disabilities (MWPD).
People with Medicaid for Working People with Disabilities (MWPD):
- do not have a Medicaid work requirement
- do not have to renew their coverage every 6 months.
Starting October 1, 2026:
Who should apply
- You must have a determination from Social Security or the State of Vermont that says you are disabled.
- You must work at least a few hours each month.
Benefits
Medicaid for Working People with Disabilities (MWPD) has no premium (monthly cost). The benefits are the same as other programs, like Medicaid for Adults and Medicaid for the Aged Blind and Disabled:
- doctor and hospital visits ($1 - $3 copay)
- prescription drugs ($1 - $3 copay)
- durable medical equipment ($1 - $3 copay)
- dental care (annual benefit of $1,500), and
- free transportation to the pharmacy and medical appointments (for people who do not have a car or other way to get there).
You must go to doctors, dentists and hospitals that accept Vermont Medicaid. Ask the provider before you make an appointment.
How to qualify
The state will look at your monthly income and resources.
Income
You may qualify if your monthly income is under 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for your household size.
The state will count income you get from your job, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and any other sources.
The State of Vermont will disregard (not count) about half of your income if it is from a current job. Learn more about “What income counts for MABD and MWPD” on our income limits page.
Resources
You must have less than $10,000 in resources if single and less than $15,000 if married.
How to apply
If you live in Vermont, you can apply any of these ways through Vermont Health Connect:
- By mail:
- Download and print the application. Or call Vermont Health Connect and ask them to mail you the 205ALLMED application: 1-855-899-9600.
- Fill out pages 1 - 16 of the application and mail it to Vermont Health Connect.
- In-person: You can get help applying for insurance by calling or meeting with trained helpers called assisters. Find an assister near you.
When you apply
- You will need to send proof that you are working. You can send this with your application or you can submit your application and send the proof later.
- For example: Send a check stub that shows your earnings and the FICA taxes being taken out. If you are self-employed, you can send a copy of your business plan.
What happens next
- Under the rules, the state may take up to 90 days to make a decision. Most people will get a decision sooner than this. No matter how long it takes, your Medicaid start date will go back to the 1st day of the month when you applied.
- You may get denial notices for other programs first. This is because Vermont Health Connect has to check if you qualify for every program and send a notice. The last program they check will be Medicaid for Working People with Disabilities (MWPD).
- If you are found eligible, you should put the money you earn from your job in a separate bank account (different than your regular checking or savings account). This may help you continue to qualify for MWPD. Vermont Health Connect will check your accounts (resources) and income every 12 months. The money you save from working should not count against you.
