Medicaid Buy-In for Adults

The Medicaid Buy-In (MBI) 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; and
  • Don't live in a state institution or nursing home all the time.

You can apply for MBI:

You can also complete this application form and submit it:

After applying, you will receive a letter telling you if you are eligible for the Medicaid Buy-In program. If you are eligible, the letter will tell you:

  • The amount of your monthly payment;
  • When your payment is due; and
  • 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
  • Occupational therapy
  • Physical therapy

You may also be able to receive help in your home, or another location, during the day.

Can I Get MBI?

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

  • If you already receive Social Security disability benefits, you meet the disability rules for the program.
  • If you do not receive Social Security disability benefits, we will review your case to decide if your disability meets the rules.

To meet the financial guidelines for the program:

  • The amount of money you earn each month from a job or self-employment must be less than $3,261 before any taxes, deductions or exclusions; and
  • The value of the things you own, such as cash, bank accounts and other assets, must be no more than $5,000.

These items are not counted toward the limits:

  • 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
  • Retirement-related accounts such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)

How Much Does It Cost?

Your monthly payment is based on your income, specifically:

  • Any money you get from a job or self-employment. If this income is more than $1,957 per month after deducting certain mandatory expenses like taxes, you will have to pay a monthly fee.
  • Any money you get over $967 per month from a source other than a job or self-employment. Examples are Social Security benefits, retirement checks and money from rental property.
  • Your monthly payment cannot be more than $500.