Home and community services

Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD)

Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD) promotes competitive employment and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities by allowing them to qualify for MA under higher income and assets than regular MA while they are working. Under MA-EPD, people with disabilities are assured continued access to MA for health care services while they are working and earning income.

Eligibility

To be eligible for MA-EPD, you must:

  • Be certified disabled by either the Social Security Administration or the State Medical Review Team
  • Be employed and have required taxes withheld or paid from earned income
  • Have monthly earnings of more than $65 on average over a six month period
  • Pay a premium (American Indian or Alaska Natives are exempt from paying a premium)
  • Pay an unearned income obligation if required

Certified disabled - Determining if you have a disability

What is the income limit?

There is no income limit for MA-EPD.

What is the asset limit?

Effective January 1, 2024, there is no asset limit for MA-EPD.

What does MA-EPD cost?

Premiums
Most people pay a monthly premium for MA-EPD. Premiums are based on your income and household size. The amount is set by a sliding-fee scale or a minimum of $35, whichever is greater. There is no maximum premium amount for MA-EPD.

You can estimate your premium using the MA-EPD monthly premium estimator. For an actual amount, contact your county or tribal office.

An American Indian or Alaska Native who provides verification of this status is not required to pay a premium.

Unearned income obligation
If you have unearned income like Social Security Disability, you must pay one-half of one percent of your unearned income each month. To calculate the unearned income obligation, multiply your total unearned income by .005. This cost is in addition to the monthly premium.

Copays
You may also have copays for some services.

MA-EPD monthly premium estimator

Can I have other insurance and still get MA-EPD?

Yes, you may have private, group or employer-subsidized health insurance in addition to MA-EPD. Many services that are not covered by other insurance policies may be paid for by MA-EPD.

If you have other health insurance, that insurance must be used first, following the rules of that primary plan (e.g., must use network providers, obtain referral or authorization as required, etc.). Then services not covered may be paid through MA-EPD.

What if I lose my job or cannot work because of a medical condition?

Job loss
If you are enrolled in MA-EPD and you lose your job through no fault of your own (you did not quit or get fired), you may stay on MA-EPD for up to four months while looking for another job. If you do not have a job after four months, you cannot be on MA-EPD.

Medical leave
If you become unable to work because of a medical condition, you may stay on MA-EPD for up to four months. You must have a written, signed doctor's statement that says you are expected to return to work within four months. If you cannot return to work within four months, you cannot be on MA-EPD.

How does working affect other benefits?

For information on how working may affect other benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, Social Security Income, Minnesota Supplemental Aid, private disability insurance, subsidized housing, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and veteran benefits, go to Disability Benefits 101.

Disability Benefits 101

Services

MA-EPD pays for the same services as regular Medical Assistance, including:

  • Home care
  • Inpatient hospital
  • Medical equipment
  • Mental health services
  • Personal care assistance
  • Physical, occupational and speech therapy
  • Physician and health clinic visits
  • Prescription drugs (except enrollees who also have Medicare).

Some services, such as prescription drugs, non-preventive care visits and eyeglasses may have co-pays. See Medical Assistance (MA) coverage.

Medical Assistance (MA)

In certain circumstances, MA-EPD may cover Medicare or other health insurance premiums, co-pays and deductibles.

Apply

For more information on MA-EPD, visit the Disability Hub MN online or call 1-866-333-2466.

Disability Hub MN

You can apply for MA-EPD by filling out the Minnesota Health Care Programs Application for Certain Populations, DHS-3876 (PDF). Drop off or email the completed application to your local county human services agency.

Minnesota Health Care Programs Application for Certain Populations, DHS-3876 (PDF)County and Tribal directory

What if a person has other health insurance?

If a person has other health insurance, that insurance must be used first, following the rules of that primary plan (e.g., must use network providers, get referrals or authorizations as required, etc.). Services not covered then may be paid through MA-EPD.