“How to Eliminate Medi-Cal Share of Cost with the 250% Working Disabled Program”

How to Eliminate Medi-Cal Share of Cost

Using the 250% Working Disabled Program

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A Little-Known Strategy

• There is a Medi-Cal program that may allow you to:

  • Work (even part-time)

  • Keep full Medi-Cal coverage

  • Eliminate your Share of Cost (SOC)

• This program is called the 250% Working Disabled Program (WDP)

👉 Eligibility subject to county Medi-Cal determination. Must meet disability, income, and program requirements.

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🚨 You May Qualify with Very Small Income

• There is no minimum number of hours required to work (DHCS guidance)

• Even:

  • Part-time work

  • Self-employment

  • Very small income

may qualify as “working” (DHCS Working Disabled Program page)

👉 This is one of the most overlooked Medi-Cal strategies

• Email us [email protected]

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What This Means for You

• Instead of:

  • Paying a high monthly share of cost

• You may qualify for:

  • Full Medi-Cal coverage

  • With a $0 or low monthly premium (DHCS WDP program updates)

👉Email us [email protected]

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Why the Working Disabled Program Works

• Disability-based income (such as SSDI) is not counted the same way as earned income (program methodology explained in WDP materials)

• Earned income is:

  • Partially excluded

  • Not counted dollar-for-dollar (SSI income rules applied to Medi-Cal)

• Eligibility is based on income up to:

  • 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (DHCS program description)

👉Example (Simplified)

• SSDI income: $2,500/month

• Small part-time work: $300/month

Result:

• Only part of the $300 is counted

• SSDI may not disqualify eligibility

👉 The person may qualify for:

• Full Medi-Cal

• No Share of Cost

(Eligibility determined by county based on full rules)

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Share of Cost vs Working Disabled Program

• Share of Cost Medi-Cal

  • Pay large medical expenses before coverage begins

• Working Disabled Program

  • Coverage starts immediately

  • May have:

    • $0 premium

    • Or a small monthly premium

👉 This is why many people switch when eligible

• Email us [email protected]

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Quick Eligibility Check

• Are you considered disabled under Social Security rules?

  • Yes / No

• Do you have ANY earned income (even small)?  DHCS.Gov

  • Yes / No

• Is your income likely under about 250% of the Federal Poverty Level?

  • Yes / No / Not sure

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If You Answered YES to All 3:

👉 You may qualify for the Working Disabled Program
👉 You may be able to eliminate your Share of Cost

• Email us [email protected]

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Asset Rules (Important Update for 2026+)

• California previously eliminated asset limits

• Asset limits are reinstated as of 2026

• Current limits:

  • $130,000 (individual)

  • +$65,000 per additional household member

👉Some assets may still be excluded (home, vehicle, etc.)

• MAGI Medi Cal Income Limits
• Medi Cal Resources Asset Limits

• Email us [email protected]

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Important: County Approval Required

• The Working Disabled Program is:

  • Administered by your county Medi-Cal office

• You must:

  • Apply through the county

    • Online @ BenefitsCal.com

  • Documentation required (work + disability)

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  • Provide documentation of:

    • Disability

    • Earned income

👉When This Strategy Works Best

• You currently have a high share of cost

• You can perform any level of work

• You want predictable coverage instead of monthly spend-down

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Most Agents Don’t Tell You This – it’s rather technical..

• There are ways to reduce or eliminate Share of Cost that:

  • Do not involve spending thousands on medical bills

  • Do not require giving up income

👉 The Working Disabled Program is one of those strategies

• Email us [email protected]

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Not Sure If You Qualify?

We can help you evaluate:

• Your income

• Your work situation

• Your current share of cost

👉 Request a Share of Cost Review
👉 Schedule a Zoom Consultation

• Email us [email protected]
• Social Security Publication 10095 Working while disabled how we can help

• Medi Cal working while disabled  dhcs.gov
  • CANHR 
  • DPSS LA County