Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities (MBIWD) - Ohio

In some situations, working and earning money could prevent you from getting public benefit programs such as Medicaid. If you live in Ohio, have a disability, and are a paid worker (part time or full time), the Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities (MBIWD) program may be able to provide you with health care benefits.

How does Ohio's Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities (MBIWD) program work?

For Ohioans, MBIWD lets you work, keep money in savings, and still keep your health care coverage. Note that you may have to pay a monthly premium. 

Monthly premiums are required for those eligible for MBIWD with an annual gross income greater than 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Some resources—such as your home, car, and certain portions of life insurance and burial accounts—may not be counted when determining whether you meet the program guidelines.

How do I know if I'm eligible for this program?

You are eligible for the Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities (MBIWD) program if you are:

• a U.S. citizen or or meet U.S. citizen requirements,
• a resident of Ohio,
• between 16 to 64 years old,
• living with a disability as defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA),
• employed in paid full or part time work, and
• within the financial guidelines or the program.

How do I apply for the MBIWD program?

There are several options if you're looking to apply for Ohio's Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities (MBIWD) program.

You can apply online at Benefits.Ohio.Gov. When you go to Ohio's website, you'll be asked to create an account if you don't already have one to start your application. 

Create Account

If you already have an account, you can login to start your application or pick up where you left off.

Other options that Ohio provides to apply for the Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities (MBIWD) program:

• Applying by phone: You can do this by calling the Medicaid Consumer Hotline at 1-800-324-8680, where they will help you complete an application or answer other questions. For TTY, please dial 1-800-292-3572.
• Applying by mail or in-person: You can also print and fill out the Application Form, Application Addendum, and Consumer Rights & Responsibilities Form. If you want to apply in person, you can locate your local county agency by clicking here. Local agencies handle most Ohio Department of Job & Family Services (ODJFS) programs, so you can get the help you need right in your county.

Below you'll find the link downloads from ODJFS' website:

• Application Form ( English - PDF)
• Application Form (Spanish - PDF)
• Application Addendum (PDF)
• Consumer Rights and Responsibilities Form (PDF)

If you're looking for an application in another language, ODJFS has additional forms on their site to accommodate you. Click here to find the one in your language.