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HCWD

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    Health Coverage for Workers with Disabilities (HCWD)

    Common Pitfalls

    Not getting health coverage because you think it will be too expensive

    In the past, some people found it impossible to find health coverage that was affordable and met their needs. Now, there should be an option for almost everybody, regardless of whether you have a disability. The exact health coverage that will be right for you will depend on things like your family’s income, whether you have access to employer-sponsored coverage, your age, where you live, and whether you have a disability.

    If you do not have the option of employer-sponsored coverage, you may be able to get government help to pay for an individual plan on HealthCare.gov. If you cannot afford private individual coverage, your best options will be public programs, like NC Medicaid or Medicare, if you qualify.

    Note: It is very important to have health coverage, but starting in 2019 there is no tax penalty if you don't have coverage.

    Not enrolling in Health Coverage for Workers with Disabilities (HCWD) because you have private coverage

    Health Coverage for Workers with Disabilities (HCWD) covers some services that private health care plans do not cover.

    If you’re in that situation and your private premium is higher than what your HCWD premium would be, you should enroll in HCWD. You’ll get more comprehensive coverage at a lower price.

    Dropping or not enrolling in Medicare

    If you are eligible for both Health Coverage for Workers with Disabilities (HCWD) and Medicare, you should enroll in both.

    HCWD will help pay for things that Medicare doesn't pay for and will help pay your Part B premium. And, if your income is low enough, you may also qualify for a Medicare Savings Program to help pay other Part B expenses (and your Part A premium, if you have one), and the Part D Low Income Subsidy, to help pay for your prescription drugs.

    Contact the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) if you have questions about how your NC Medicaid and Medicare benefits work together. To learn more, read DB101’s Medicare article, which has detailed information on Medicare Savings Programs and the Part D Low Income Subsidy.

    Not going back to work because you fear losing your NC Medicaid coverage

    If you lose one health coverage option, there will be another one you can get. If you lose your NC Medicaid coverage, you will either become eligible for employer-sponsored coverage or private individual coverage. And, if you can’t afford the individual coverage, the government may help you pay for it.

    The bottom line: There is a coverage option for everybody. Do not worry that getting a job will leave you without health coverage.

    Learn more

    Disability-Based NC Medicaid

    There are more ways to qualify for NC Medicaid if you have a disability.

    Buying Health Coverage on HealthCare.gov

    You can get private health coverage on HealthCare.gov. The government may help you pay for it.