For many job seekers, a salary and a good health insurance plan may determine whether or not they accept a job offer. Based on cost of living expenses, private health insurance can be cost prohibitive making it difficult to afford for the underemployed or unemployed.

For Latinos with disabilities who may be receiving Social Security Income (SSI) benefits or public assistance going to work may not be an option due to the possibility of losing Medicaid. As a result disabled Latinos have other health insurance options that are being initiated by individual states. The following health insurance programs are currently available in New York State.

Requirements Qualify for the Medicaid Buy-In Program:

• Must be between the ages of 16-65
• Must be disabled as defined by Social Security Administration
• Must be employed part-time or full-time
• Income must be less that $46,170 (single) and $61,870 (couple)
• Covers primary care, specialized care, hospitalizations, prescriptions, etc.
• Premiums based on a sliding scale depending on earned income

Requirements to Qualify for Family Health Plus Coverage:

• Must be between the ages of 19-64
• Salary is too high to qualify for Medicaid or medical coverage is not provided through employer
• Single adults, couples without young children and parents with limited income are eligible (couples with children under the age of 19 can apply for their children under Child Health Plus)
• Covers primary care, hospitalizations, prescriptions, specialized care, etc.
• Premium can be between $0 to $1,260 yearly depending on income of individual or couple
• Resources cannot be more than $10,000

For further information or to apply for either insurance program, log on to www.health.state.ny.us or call Family Health Plus 1-877-9FHPLUS (1-877-934-7587) (English & Spanish) or Medicaid Hotline 1-800-541-2831 (English & Spanish).

printer friendly format