MA-EPD Law Updates Expand Eligibility for Coverage

December 17, 2024  |  Cathryn Reher

We are nearing one year since the Minnesota Department of Human Services expanded those persons with disabilities who may qualify for Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD).

Persons with disabilities participating in MA-EPD must have an earned monthly income of $65.01 or more. This program provides for not only state plan health coverage but also waivered services through CADI, CAC, BI, and DD waivers. The 2024 law change removed any asset limit to qualify. For self-employed persons, there was a mid-year law change that self-employment tax filings suffice as proof of appropriate tax withholdings.

The most amazing aspect of the 2024 law changes is that MA-EPD became available to persons residing in skilled nursing facilities (nursing homes) as well as community-based settings. Our firm has successfully converted several clients from community-based MA-EPD to MA-EPD while residing in a skilled nursing facility.

As an example, a long-term CADI client needed more care and entered a nursing home. His MA-EPD premium was $68. We assisted with his conversion to a nursing home on MA-EPD, where his monthly obligation remained $68. The client was not required to pay the alternative long-term care income spenddown, which would have been approximately $1,526. The reserved income is being used to pay for a private room as well!

BGS is proud that its attorneys stay up to date on the laws and aggressively work to incorporate law changes into our clients’ government benefit planning.

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with one of our elder law and special needs planning attorneys or to learn more about Medical Assistance planning, please contact the Special Needs & Elder Services department.