The Adult Buy-In Program: How Disabled Adults in Colorado Can Work, and Still Keep Medicaid
When you’re disabled in Colorado, working can feel risky. You want purpose, income, and independence, but the fear of losing Medicaid keeps too many adults stuck.
That’s exactly why the Adult Buy-In Program exists, and why I built Navigating Disabilities Colorado (NDC): to help working disabled adults understand how to earn income and keep essential services without losing coverage.
What Is the Adult Buy-In Program?
The Working Adults with Disabilities (WAwD) Buy-In Program allows eligible Coloradans to “buy into” Medicaid even if they earn above the typical limits. It’s Medicaid with a twist:
You can earn money, even up to $69,000/year (gross), and still qualify.
You pay a monthly premium (typically $0–$200, based on income).
There’s no asset test, owning a car, savings account, or home won’t disqualify you.
You keep access to waiver services like DD, SLS, EBD, and others.
You can use CDASS, IHSS, or agency-based supports with no disruption.
And it’s all outlined step-by-step in this flyer from The Arc & Disability Policy Collaborative.
Also, the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition created a helpful video for WAwD buy in program
Why It Matters
Without Buy-In, many adults hit a benefits cliff: if they earn “too much,” they lose Medicaid, and can’t afford private coverage or waiver-based services.
But with Buy-In:
You gain freedom to work
You keep essential medical + caregiving services
You pay a manageable monthly premium, not full-price healthcare
You protect your long-term support system
Even DB101 Colorado recommends Buy-In for people with disabilities who want to increase income while staying insured.
How to Apply
Review eligibility and income limits at the HCPF Buy-In page.
Apply online via Colorado PEAK or through your local Medicaid office.
Pair with a waiver if needed, this guide explains which waivers work well with Buy-In.
Know that as of May 2025, premium payments will restart.
Need Help Understanding This?
This topic comes up constantly in my community. That’s why I created a YouTube video breakdown that walks through:
Who qualifies for Buy-In
How it works with waivers
What income does (and doesn’t) count
Real-life case studies from families I've worked with
If you still have questions, you can also book a $99 Ask Me Anything consult where I’ll walk you through your specific situation. It's quick, practical, and built to give you peace of mind.
Your Next Step
Working should never cost you your care.
Whether you're job searching or already working and worried about coverage, the Adult Buy-In Program may be the bridge you’ve been looking for.
🔹 Watch the YouTube breakdown
🔹 Book a 1:1 Ask Me Anything consult
🔹 Or comment WAIVER and I’ll send you my full planning checklist
You shouldn’t have to choose between income and support. With the right tools, you don’t have to.