A new federal law will allow disabled workers to continue their careers past the age of 65 without sacrificing critical healthcare benefits.
The Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-in Programs Act, introduced by Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), was signed into law by President Donald Trump on February 3rd after being included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026.
The measure was part of the government's 2026 spending package and targets a specific problem: people with disabilities who wanted to continue working after turning 65 were losing access to a Medicaid program designed for working individuals.
For years, Medicaid offered a buy-in option that let employed adults with disabilities maintain coverage. However, it was only available to those aged 16 to 64.
Once workers hit 65, they faced an unfair dilemma: either retire to keep their health benefits or stay on the job but give up critical medical support.
Ciscomani's bill removes the age cap entirely.
"No one should be penalized for staying in the workforce," the congressman said.
What This Means for Arizonans
According to Ciscomani, residents across his Sixth Congressional District will benefit from expanded access to these healthcare programs. He framed the change as both practical and fair.
The congressman described it as "a major step forward" that gives disabled workers "the freedom to keep working without losing the care they rely on." He added that removing this restriction supports "dignity, independence, and opportunity."
Organizations that serve people with disabilities have responded positively. Barbara Merrill, who runs ANCOR, a group representing providers of disability services, credited Ciscomani with tackling an important issue.
Merrill pointed out that when people can access Medicaid support services in their homes and communities, it helps them "live, work, and thrive."
“This is a major step forward for working adults with disabilities who simply want the freedom to keep working without losing the care they rely on,” Ciscomani concluded.
