Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

Washington State's Healthcare for Workers with Disabilities (HWD) program provides medical coverage to low-income workers with disabilities by allowing them to purchase full Medicaid coverage with monthly premiums based on a sliding income scale. This study found that HWD participants were more likely to be employed, had higher earnings, had more stable Medicaid coverage, and relied less on the Basic Food program (i.e., food stamps) in the year following enrollment than very similar people covered by conventional Medicaid. Findings suggest that HWD participants may be achieving greater self-sufficiency while obtaining comprehensive health care and benefits needed by workers with disabilities.