Key Programs

This section introduces:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• NC Medicaid
• Health Coverage for Workers with Disabilities (HCWD), 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 NC Medicaid.

Learn more about SSI eligibility.

NC Medicaid

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

Who It Helps

NC Medicaid is for people who cannot afford medical expenses. Generally, to get it, you or your family must have low income. If you get SSI benefits, you automatically qualify for NC Medicaid.

How It Helps

If you qualify, NC Medicaid pays for your medical expenses, including visits to the doctor, hospital stays, prescription drugs, medical equipment, and other medical services.

Learn more about NC Medicaid eligibility.

Health Coverage for Workers with Disabilities (HCWD)

Health Coverage for Workers with Disabilities (HCWD) lets you get a job, save up some money, and keep your NC Medicaid health coverage.

Who It Helps

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

How It Helps

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

Learn more about HCWD 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 get an individual health plan, the government may help pay your monthly premium through tax subsidies. Note: There is no income limit for getting subsidies that help pay individual coverage premiums. (Before 2021, the limit was 400% of FPG.) To get subsidies, you still must meet other eligibility rules and the premium amount you pay depends on your income and your plan.

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.