How does someone qualify for continued Medicaid eligibility under Section 1619 (b)?
Section 1619 (b) is the provision in the Social Security Act that enables those on SSI to retain Medicaid and earn up to a certain income level as set by their state. In most states, for your Medicaid to continue, you must: • Need it in order to work; • Be unable to afford similar medical coverage without SSI; • Continue to have a disabling condition; and • Meet all other SSI eligibility requirements. If you qualify for Medicaid under these rules, SSA will review your case from time to time to see if you are still disabled or blind and still earn less than your state’s allowable level. In general, the amount someone can earn and retain Medicaid using Section 1619(b) ranges from $18,000 in some states to the mid to high 30,000’s in other states. To learn what the earnings threshold is in your state, contact your local SSA office. Five states (California, Iowa, Massachusetts, Nevada and Oregon) have set different thresholds for blind persons and individuals with other disabilities. Back
