Statewide Independent Living
Council of Illinois

Position on a Medicaid "Buy-In" Program

It is the position of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois that the state of Illinois offer Medicaid eligibility to working individuals with disabilities who do not normally qualify for Medicaid because of their earned income. This is consistent with Section 4733 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 with a Medicaid "Buy-In" option for states to provide coverage for medical expenses from the first day of each month, unlike the current spend down program. Monthly premiums would be set on a sliding fee based on income level.

To this end, the Statewide Independent Living Council supports:

The submission of a Medicaid Plan Amendment to the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) which allows for Illinois to set its own income and asset limitations for participation.
Passage of the Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 which will provide new funding streams for Illinois to provide additional employment services for people with disabilities, and increase access to the Medicaid and Medicare programs for individuals who cannot access private health care insurance when they enter the workforce.
Funding the 100% Campaign (HB 1713) in the Fall veto session.