How much does Medi-Cal’s Working Disabled Program cost? (WDP)
Medi-Cal’s Working Disabled Program costs the same as regular full-scope Medi-Cal without a share of cost: there is no monthly premium, but there may be small copayments for some services or medications. Note: Medi-Cal’s Working Disabled Program used to have a monthly premium. Starting on July 1, 2022, there is no more premium. Learn more about this change.
Use the Medi-Cal for the Working Disabled Estimator to get an idea of whether you’d qualify for this program.
Does what I have in the bank or what I own, such as a home or car, affect my eligibility for Medi-Cal’s Working Disabled Program (WDP)?
Yes. You are allowed to have assets up to $130,000 in value ($195,000 for a couple). Some of your assets, like your home and car, are not counted for this program. Click here for a list of additional exemptions.
Assets may include:
Note: This category of Medi-Cal exempts (does not consider) some types of resources:
Work is not specifically defined by Medi-Cal’s Working Disabled Program (WDP). A disabled worker on the WDP Program must provide proof of current employment. Proof of employment includes pay stubs or written verification of employment from your employer.
If you are self-employed, you will have to provide records such as recent IRS tax returns to demonstrate employment. Also, for the independent contractor, verification may be provided with a 1099 IRS form as proof of employment.
Also, you are still considered to be working under the WDP Medi-Cal if you are receiving vacation or sick leave pay from your employer.
To apply for Working Disabled Program (WDP), request an appointment with your local county WDP coordinator. The Department of Health Care Services has a webpage listing where to find a county social services agency.
Medi-Cal provides applications in eleven languages. You can download an application online, but you must submit your application in person or by U.S. mail.
If you are currently enrolled in another eligibility category of Medi-Cal, talk to your Medi-Cal eligibility worker and ask to be transferred to this program.
What is the difference between Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 1619(b) provisions and Medi-Cal’s Working Disabled Program (WDP)?
Although both programs provide full scope Medi-Cal, there are several differences between SSI 1619 (b) provisions and WDP Medi-Cal. SSI 1619(b) provisions allow you to keep Medi-Cal at no cost, but limits your income to the state’s threshold amount and has special rules for retirement funds, which sometimes are exceptions and require approval from Social Security. WDP Medi-Cal, on the other hand, does not have any limitations on retirement funds. In order to qualify for SSI, Social Security has determined that you are unable to work for at least twelve months. WDP does not have this rule and thus allows you to work with a disability.
1619(b) Provisions and WDP Benefits Compared | ||
Medi-Cal Program | 1619 (b) provisions | WDP |
Cost | None. | None. Note: Medi-Cal’s Working Disabled Program used to have a monthly premium. Starting on July 1, 2022, there is no more premium. Learn more about this change. |
Retirement Funds | Allowable based upon exception and approval. | Allowable. |
Initial Eligibility Rules | Unable to work for initial 12 months of receiving SSI due to a disability. Generally, earnings cannot exceed state’s threshold amount. | Able to work initial 12 months with a disability. |
As your circumstances change, it is important to review which Medi-Cal eligibility category may be most cost effective for you.
If you stop working, you can stay on Medi-Cal’s Working Disabled Program (WDP) for up to 6 months. You may also become eligible for free Medi-Cal instead, for which you would not need to pay a premium. If you are in this situation, talk to a benefits planner.