You Don’t Have to Choose Between a Paycheck and Health Coverage
You’re staring at the job offer.
Or maybe it’s a raise.
More hours.
A promotion.
And instead of celebrating… your stomach drops.
Because what if you earn too much?
What if Medicaid disappears?
What if you lose your doctors, your therapies, your prescriptions, your stability?
So you hesitate.
You play small.
You turn it down.
Let’s stop that right now.
You do not have to choose between earning more income and keeping your Medicaid coverage in Colorado.
The Program Most People Don’t Know About
It’s called the Working Adults with Disabilities Buy-In Program (WAWD) — also known as the Medicaid Adult Buy-In.
Here’s what it does:
If you’re a disabled adult who works and earns “too much” for traditional Medicaid (MAGI), this program allows you to buy into Health First Colorado (Medicaid) instead of losing it.
You keep your coverage.
You pay a monthly premium based on income.
That premium is typically $200 or less.
Compare that to private health insurance premiums.
Exactly.
Let’s Clear Up the Fear
Many disabled adults believe:
“If I work more, I’ll lose everything.”
That fear is real. It’s also often unnecessary.
The Medicaid Adult Buy-In was created for this exact reason — to encourage disabled adults to work to their potential without being punished for it.
With WAWD, you can:
Keep doctor visits covered
Keep hospital coverage
Keep medical equipment
Keep home care services
Keep mental health services
And yes — you can even use it alongside Medicare if you qualify. In some cases, the Buy-In helps cover your Medicare Part B premium.
This is about freedom with safety.
How Much Can You Actually Earn?
Here’s where it gets interesting.
To qualify, you must:
Be at least 16 years old
Have a disability
Be working
Be a U.S. citizen or qualifying noncitizen
Have $5,648 or less in monthly countable income
But “countable income” is not the same as what hits your bank account.
Because of income exclusions, you could actually earn up to approximately $11,380 per month and still qualify.
Yes, really.
Not all income counts the same. Earned income is often partially excluded in calculations. It’s complicated — but it works in your favor.
Which means you may have far more earning potential than you realize.
And If You Also Have SSI or SSDI?
SSI recipients automatically receive Health First Colorado.
SSDI recipients receive Medicare after 24 months — and may also qualify for Medicaid.
The Adult Buy-In can work alongside Medicare.
Translation?
You may have more layering options than you think.
Let’s Talk Bigger Picture: Waivers
Medical insurance is one piece.
Support services are another.
Colorado Medicaid waivers are life-changing safety nets. They can provide:
Respite
Therapies
Community support
Job coaching
Independent living assistance
For disabled adults living at home or independently, waivers create real pathways to autonomy.
But let’s be honest — applying for a waiver in Colorado can feel like navigating a maze in the dark.
That’s exactly why programs like The Roadmap for the Waiver Journey exist — to help you do it strategically instead of spinning your wheels.
Because you deserve access — not confusion.
The Truth No One Says Out Loud
The system is complicated.
And complexity keeps people stuck.
But staying underpaid out of fear?
That’s not the goal.
You are allowed to:
Grow professionally.
Increase your income.
Build savings.
Create independence.
Without sacrificing your medical stability.
The Medicaid Adult Buy-In was built so you don’t have to stay small.
What To Do Next
If you’re thinking about:
Taking a raise
Increasing hours
Starting a job
Launching a small business
Before you assume you’ll lose coverage — check your eligibility for the Working Adults with Disabilities Buy-In Program.
Run the numbers.
Understand countable income.
Make an informed decision — not a fear-based one.
If you want help figuring out how this applies to your exact situation, book a one-on-one session and get clarity fast. A 30-minute strategy call can save you months of stress and second-guessing.
Because you deserve your best possible life.
And that includes both income and health coverage.