The Affordable Care Act - also known as "Obamacare" - changed the lives of many Ohio residents, as it allowed those who had previously been without healthcare insurance to afford it. It also allowed those with disabilities and pre-existing medical conditions to purchase insurance without the possibility of being denied coverage. Obamacare does offer subsidies for those who qualify due to low income. So, if you're applying for Obamacare, should you include the income you receive through SSDI benefits?
While health insurance is now available to everyone, it sometimes comes with a high price tag. Health coverage for an individual may still cost several hundred dollars a month. However, if their income is under 400 percent of the federal poverty level, then they qualify for a discounted rate through subsidies. SSDI benefits are included as income using a calculation called Modified Adjusted Gross Income. This is calculated through regulations set forth by Medicaid and the IRS. Those who have received SSDI income for at least two years will automatically qualify for Medicare.
Obamacare offers many benefits for those with disabilities. It removes annual and lifetime caps, which means that insurers can no longer put a limit on payments. It also expands Medicaid coverage and offers more access to home-based services.
It's important for those with a serious injury or disability to have access to medical care. With Obamacare still relatively new, the laws and regulations surrounding it will no doubt change in the future. It can be important to get the right information if you are concerned about how your disability benefits will affect your eligibility for Obamacare.
Source: FindLaw, "Disability Insurance and Obamacare," accessed April 25, 2015
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