Medicaid Buy-In for Adults

The Medicaid Buy-In program offers low-cost Medicaid services to adults with disabilities who work. You might be able to get MBI, if you:

Have a disability.
Are working and live in Texas.
Don't live in a state institution or nursing home all the time.
Get home and community-based services through a Medicaid waiver program, such as Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS).

To apply, click on the link below to the application form.

You can print the form, fill it out, and fax or mail it to the Health and Human Services Commission. The address and fax number are included in the instructions on the form.

You can get help applying for MBI by visiting a local HHSC office or by calling 2-1-1.

We will send a letter to tell you if you can be in the Medicaid Buy-In program. If you can be in the program, the letter will tell you:

How much your monthly cost will be (your premium).
When your payment is due (usually the end of the month).
When your Medicaid benefits will begin.

Services Covered by MBI

Regular checkups at the doctor.
X-rays and lab tests.
Hospital care and services.
Vision and hearing care.
Medicine and vaccines.
Mental health care.
Speech therapy (help learning to speak better).
Occupational therapy (help learning how to do everyday tasks).
Physical therapy (help learning how to move around better or become stronger).

You also might be able to get help in your home or at another place during the day.

Can I Get MBI?

You must meet the disability and income rules for the program. We use the Social Security disability guidelines to determine if you have a disability.

If you already get Social Security disability benefits, you meet the disability rules for the program.
If you don't get Social Security disability benefits, we will review your case to decide if your disability meets the rules.

HHSC doesn't use the Social Security disability guidelines on limits on working or how much you earn. To meet the income guidelines for the program:

The amount of money you earn before taxes each month must be less than $2,453.
The amount of money you have, such as cash, banks and retirement accounts (countable assets) must be no more than $2,000.

Money that doesn't count:

Earned income tax credit and child tax credit payments
Work expenses due to a disability
Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) funds and independence accounts

How Much Does It Cost?

Your cost is based on:

Your income. We may not count all your earnings. We will take out amounts we don't have to count. After that, if you still have more than $1,562, you will have to pay a monthly fee.
Any other money you get above $771. Examples of other money are Social Security benefits, retirement checks and money from rental property.