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Supporters urge D.C. to create Medicaid buy‑in so workers with disabilities can keep care while earning
Summary
Advocates, disability groups and clinicians told the Committee on Health that B26‑463 would let workers with disabilities keep Medicaid services while working by paying modest premiums and would remove barriers to employment; witnesses recommended removing an upper age limit and allowing waiver access.
The Committee on Health heard robust testimony supporting B26‑463, the Judith Heumann Memorial Workers with Disabilities Act of 2025, which would create a District Medicaid buy‑in allowing eligible workers with disabilities to maintain Medicaid coverage while earning income and paying a modest monthly premium.
Multiple witnesses from advocacy groups, legal services and professional organizations described the buy‑in as a jobs and civil‑rights measure. "Medicaid buy in programs for working adults with disabilities are already available in almost all states," said Jacob Speidel of Legal Aid DC, and he urged technical adjustments such as removing a maximum age for participation. Disability Rights DC and Quality Trust likewise recommended eliminating the proposed 65‑year age cap and enabling access to Medicaid waiver services so participants can receive long‑term supports.
Residents and self‑advocates gave personal testimony about how the absence of a buy‑in limits opportunities. "This bill would let me move from just surviving to having a stable, sustainable life," said Wes Holloway, who described turning down extra teaching opportunities because additional earnings would threaten his Medicaid‑funded personal care.
Agency witnesses and DHCF staff acknowledged the program’s merits but flagged legal and fiscal issues. Deputy Mayor Wayne Turnage said the attorney general advised that the mayor—not the Council—has the authority to amend the Medicaid state plan, a technical point the executive branch says can be worked around but that requires coordination. DHCF outlined implementation steps, premium collection needs, and uncertainty about the program’s universe and cost; staff said additional data work is needed to produce a reliable fiscal impact estimate.
The committee requested follow‑up analysis and accepted written testimony through Dec. 29, 2025; no vote occurred on the bill at this hearing.
