Basic Considerations
The “Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999” (TWWIIA) enacted on December 17, 1999, provided states with new options for making it possible for people with disabilities to join, or remain in, the workplace without fear of losing their Medicare and Medicaid coverage. Georgia elected to provide Medicaid coverage in the “Basic Coverage Group” of TWWIIA. Under this group, Medicaid can cover individuals at least 16, but less than 65 years of age, who except for earned income would be eligible to receive SSI.
This program provides Medicaid coverage to workers with disabilities who are employed but are no longer eligible for SSI due to increased earnings. There is no requirement other than an individual must have at one time been a recipient of SSI or SSA disability. However, if an individual was not a recipient of SSI or SSA disability, a disability determination must be completed. Other GMWD non-financial and financial eligibility criteria are based on similar ABD Medicaid Categories.