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HCWD

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    updated April 29, 2025
    Health Coverage for Workers with Disabilities (HCWD)

    The Basics

    Many people with disabilities fear that if they return to work and start earning more money, they’ll lose their NC Medicaid coverage. Health Coverage for Workers with Disabilities (HCWD) means that you don’t have to be afraid.

    With HCWD, if you have a disability and work, you can earn any amount of money from your job, build more resources, and keep your NC Medicaid coverage. HCWD pays for the same services that standard NC Medicaid covers, including visits to the doctor, hospital stays, medical equipment, home care services, and mental health services.

    To qualify for HCWD, you must have a disability and be working and paying taxes. You also must:

    There is no limit to how much earned income you can have! However, depending on your income, you may have to pay a small annual fee and a monthly premium.

    This article will help you understand:

    • If HCWD is right for you
    • What services it covers
    • How much you will have to pay, and
    • How to sign up.
    Highlights
    • You can have a lot of income and resources and still qualify for HCWD. There is no limit to how much money you can earn at your job. However, there is a limit on unearned income.
    • You may have to pay a $50 annual fee and a monthly premium that is based on how much income you have.
    • If your disability does not qualify you for HCWD, you may be able to qualify for NC Medicaid through other rules that have no disability requirement.
    • You can get HCWD and Medicare at the same time, if you qualify. If you have both, HCWD will help pay your Part B premium.
    Get expert help

    If, after reading this article, you need more help in understanding HCWD, we recommend you talk to trained experts who can help you. Here are some good resources:

    Note: DB101 keeps track of changes to health coverage and related laws. DB101 has been and will continue to be updated to reflect any changes. Visit KFF for news related to 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.