Key Programs

This section introduces:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Medicaid
• Medicaid for Employed People with Disabilities (MEPD), and
• Private health coverage

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is the most important benefit that offers money for young people with disabilities. Even if you've never had a job, you may be able to get SSI. Even if you are under 18 and live with your parents, you may be able to get SSI.

Who It Helps

If you have a disability, don’t have enough money for your basic needs, don’t have much income, and have limited resources, you may be able to get SSI. (If you are under 18, your parents also must have low income and limited resources for you to qualify for SSI.)

How It Helps

If you qualify, SSI gives you money each month to help with your expenses, like food and rent. If you get SSI benefits, you also qualify automatically for Medicaid.

Learn more about SSI eligibility.

Medicaid

Medicaid is the most important public health benefit for young people with disabilities.

Who It Helps

Medicaid is for people who cannot afford medical expenses. Generally, to get it, you or your family must have low income. There are different eligibility rules depending on your age and whether you have a disability.

If you get SSI benefits, you automatically qualify for Medicaid.

How It Helps

If you qualify, Medicaid pays for your medical expenses, including visits to the doctor, hospital stays, prescription drugs, medical equipment, and other medical services. Medicaid may also pay for extra services that help you live in the community through a Medicaid waiver program, if you qualify.

Learn more about Medicaid eligibility.

Medicaid for Employed People with Disabilities (MEPD)

Medicaid for Employed People with Disabilities (MEPD) lets you get a job, save up some money, and keep your Medicaid health coverage.

Who It Helps

MEPD is for people under 65 with disabilities who have jobs. The resource limit and income limit are much higher than the limits for standard Medicaid. Depending on your income, you may have to pay a small annual fee and a monthly premium to get coverage.

How It Helps

MEPD pays for the same services that standard Medicaid covers, including visits to the doctor, hospital stays, medical equipment, and other medical services.

Learn more about MEPD eligibility.

Private Health Care Coverage

Private health insurance is the most common way for people to get health coverage.

Who It Helps

People get private health coverage in different ways. Some get it through their jobs, others get it from their parents’ employers, and some sign up for it on their own at HealthCare.gov. If you can't get affordable employer-sponsored coverage, Medicaid, or Medicare and your family's income is at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) ($62,600 for an individual; $128,600 for a family of four), you may be able to get tax credits to help pay the premiums for individual coverage on HealthCare.gov. Note: From 2021 through 2025, there was no income limit for getting subsidies that help pay individual coverage premiums. However, a 400% of FPG income limit is set to return for 2026. DB101 will be updated if there are any changes.

How It Helps

Private health coverage pays for some of your medical costs when you see doctors, visit other health care providers, do lab tests, or get prescription medicines at a pharmacy. Depending on your private health plan, your coverage may pay for almost all of your medical expenses or for just a part of those expenses.

Learn more about private health coverage.