Disabled Arizonans can work, keep aid

Max · 12-18-2002, 07:02 PM

Disabled Arizonans can work, keep aid

By Nena Baker
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 17, 2002

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More than 700 Arizonans with disabilities will be allowed to keep their Medicaid benefits and return to work under a plan approved Monday by federal Health and Human Services officials.

The program, called Freedom to Work, will be administered by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System and is scheduled to begin Jan. 1.

"The Freedom to Work program removes a key barrier to allow more disabled Arizonans to lead productive lives," said Phyllis Biedess, AHCCCS director.

Through AHCCCS, Arizona will offer Medicaid to eligible people with disabilities between the ages of 16 and 64 with family incomes up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level, with no limit on personal or family resources.

For 2002, the federal poverty level is $8,860 for an individual.

The basic coverage group includes individuals who would, except for income, be eligible for Supplemental Security Income. Arizona also will cover individuals who cease to be eligible for Supplemental Security benefits because of improvements in their medical condition but whose conditions remain severe.

Those with monthly incomes of less than $500 will not be charged a premium for this coverage. Other eligible individuals will be charged a premium on a sliding scale starting at $10 a month.

Medicaid is a state-federal partnership that pays for health and long-term care services to certain low-income individuals, including children, the elderly and people with disabilities. States and the federal government share the cost of the program, and each state administers its Medicaid program.

"Now, hundreds of people in Arizona will be able to return to work without fear of losing access to medical care," HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson said Monday.

To apply for the AHCCCS Freedom to Work program, call (602) 417-6677. Outside the Valley, call 1-800-654-8713.

Find this article at:
http://www.arizonarepublic.com/arizo...abilities.html

12-18-2002, 07:02 PM	#1
Max Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Montreal,Province of Quebec, CANADA Posts: 15,036	Disabled Arizonans can work, keep aid Disabled Arizonans can work, keep aid By Nena Baker The Arizona Republic Dec. 17, 2002 Related links • More health news >> More than 700 Arizonans with disabilities will be allowed to keep their Medicaid benefits and return to work under a plan approved Monday by federal Health and Human Services officials. The program, called Freedom to Work, will be administered by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System and is scheduled to begin Jan. 1. "The Freedom to Work program removes a key barrier to allow more disabled Arizonans to lead productive lives," said Phyllis Biedess, AHCCCS director. Through AHCCCS, Arizona will offer Medicaid to eligible people with disabilities between the ages of 16 and 64 with family incomes up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level, with no limit on personal or family resources. For 2002, the federal poverty level is $8,860 for an individual. The basic coverage group includes individuals who would, except for income, be eligible for Supplemental Security Income. Arizona also will cover individuals who cease to be eligible for Supplemental Security benefits because of improvements in their medical condition but whose conditions remain severe. Those with monthly incomes of less than $500 will not be charged a premium for this coverage. Other eligible individuals will be charged a premium on a sliding scale starting at $10 a month. Medicaid is a state-federal partnership that pays for health and long-term care services to certain low-income individuals, including children, the elderly and people with disabilities. States and the federal government share the cost of the program, and each state administers its Medicaid program. "Now, hundreds of people in Arizona will be able to return to work without fear of losing access to medical care," HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson said Monday. To apply for the AHCCCS Freedom to Work program, call (602) 417-6677. Outside the Valley, call 1-800-654-8713. Find this article at: http://www.arizonarepublic.com/arizo...abilities.html

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