Medicaid Expansion Also Would Help People With Disabilities

Accepting federal funds in order to expand Medicaid will not just benefit "able-bodied" individuals. People with disabilities also will benefit from expansion. According to the Social Security Administration, individuals who are approved for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are automatically eligible to receive Medicare, but must wait approximately 24 months for coverage to start. Because SSDI amounts are based on an individual's prior work earnings, monthly benefit amounts can exceed current income guidelines for MaineCare, rendering them ineligible for the program. This was reported by Kennebec Journal on February 17, 2014. Contact information: Marilyn Tavenner, Administrator, Chief Operating . . .