Arizona Politics

Ciscomani Introduces Bill Expanding Work and Welfare Benefits for Disabled Adults

For older Americans and those who are disabled, many are forced to wait two years from retirement when their Medicaid coverage ends at 65 until their Social Security benefits take effect at 67. To remedy this issue, Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) has introduced bipartisan legislation with Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA), increasing the Medicaid buy-in age and expanding work opportunities for disabled adults.

As Rep. Ciscomani described, disabled adults are eligible to receive benefits private insurance does not provide, so long as they pay Medicaid premiums. However, upon turning 65, these same individuals can no longer access those benefits until they turn 67 when their Social Security benefits are activated. Thus if these individuals want to keep working, they cannot retain their Medicaid benefits.

Hence, Rep. Ciscomani's bill increases the buy-in limit for Medicaid coverage, allowing disabled adults to keep their benefits while working.

In his press release, the Arizona Congressman said, "No one should have to choose between a paycheck and their benefits. By lifting the age limit for the Medicaid buy-in program, this legislation ensures that individuals with disabilities over the age of 65 can continue, if they choose, to work while maintaining vital Medicaid benefits they deserve. Ultimately, this allows individuals with disabilities to stay in the workforce and receive a paycheck, closing a gap in benefits that would have otherwise hurt them and take them out of the workforce."

Similarly, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez added, "For people with disabilities who rely on home-based and long-term care through Medicaid Buy-In, an age cap for the program at 65 can present them with the difficult choice of either limiting their income to receive much-needed care through Medicaid or losing coverage by continuing to work and remain independent. By introducing this bipartisan legislation to expand eligibility for Medicaid Buy-In beyond 65, we can help more folks across Southwest Washington stay in their communities and have the choice to keep working until their Social Security benefits kick in or longer."

Grayson Bakich

Florida born and raised, Grayson Bakich is a recent recipient of a Master’s Degree in Political Science at the University of Central Florida. His thesis examined recent trends in political polarization and how this leads into justification of violence.

Recent Posts

Andy Biggs, Paul Gosar, and Eli Crane Blame Government Shutdown on Democrats

Representatives Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), and Eli Crane (R-AZ) expressed agreement with President…

16 hours ago

Yassamin Ansari's Bill Gives 4th, 5th Graders Free Access to National Parks

Representative Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ) has introduced legislation providing fourth- and fifth-grade children and their families…

17 hours ago

Yassamin Ansari, Eli Crane Split on Trump Admin's Autism-Tylenol Claims

Arizona representatives offered contrasting responses to the White House announcement linking acetaminophen use during pregnancy…

19 hours ago

Court Of Appeals Declines Kris Mayes' Appeal in 2020 Electors Case

The Arizona Court of Appeals has declined to consider Attorney General Kris Mayes' petition regarding…

21 hours ago

Is Jimmy Kimmel Back? Rep. Yassamin Ansari Confirms

Disney announced Monday that "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" will return to the air less than a…

21 hours ago

Steve Montenegro and Warren Petersen Urge Supreme Court to Require Transparency in Election Manual

Arizona House Speaker Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen filed a brief with the…

21 hours ago