Removing age cap lets disabled workers keep Medicaid past 65
H.R. 1598 — Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-in Programs Act · Filed by Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) · 1 cosponsor · Introduced Feb 26, 2025 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This bill removes the age cap (under 65) that currently restricts Medicaid buy-in programs for working adults with disabilities. It allows states to extend Medicaid coverage to disabled workers over 65 who are still employed, and gives states until January 1, 2027 to comply with the change without penalty.
Why we flagged it
The bill's sole operative mechanism is removing an age restriction from Medicaid buy-in eligibility, directly expanding coverage access for a specific vulnerable population (working disabled adults over 65).
What the text implies
- States retain discretion whether to adopt the expanded eligibility; the bill does not mandate coverage, only permits it and shields compliant states from penalty.
- The January 1, 2027 compliance deadline may create administrative burden for states that choose to expand, but provides a transition window.
The full analysis lists 3 implications of this text.
Who it affects
Disabled workers over 65 gain the option to remain on Medicaid while working, rather than losing coverage at the Medicare-eligible age. This expands access to a critical program for a vulnerable population and removes an arbitrary age barrier that penalizes continued employment.