[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "I%27m%20disabled%2C%20collecting%20SSDI%20from%20the%20SSA%2C%20I%27ve%20still%20got%20about%20a%20year%20until%20I%20qualify%20for%20Medicare.%20This%2C%20qustion%20however%2C%20is%20about%20Vriginia%20Medicaid.%20I%27m%20presently%20on%20Virginia%20Mediciad.%20But%20I%27m%20looking%20to%20land%20a%20job%20or%20start%20a%20business%20where%20I%27d%20draw%20a%20salary.%20I%20was%20wondering%20how%20quickly%2C%20or%20what%20mechanism%20do%20I%20empoly%20to%20get%20back%20on%20to%20what%20was%20called%2C%20once%20upon%20a%20time%2C%20Medicaid%20Works%20or%20I%20beleive%2C%20I%20might%20be%20mixing%20up%20the%20term%2C%201619B%20program%20for%20disabled%20folks%20who%20want%20to%20work%2C%20an%20retain%20their%20Medicaid.%20What%20does%20the%20application%20process%20look%20like%3F"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s a breakdown of how Virginia\u2019s *Medicaid Works* and the federal **Section 1619(b)** protections work\u2014how they\u2019re similar, how they differ, and how to apply. This should help you decide which route makes sense while you work but still need Medicaid before you qualify for Medicare.\n\n---\n\n## Key Definitions: Medicaid Works (VA) vs. Section 1619(b)\n\n| Program | Who Administers It | Purpose |\n|---|---|---|\n| **Medicaid Works** (VA Medicaid Work Incentive) | Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) | State-level \u201cbuy-in\u201d program that lets people with disabilities work and still stay on Virginia Medicaid, with higher income and asset limits. ([dmas.virginia.gov](https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/media/tbvhgdvi/medicaid-works-fact-sheet-en-01-25-final.pdf?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Section 1619(b)** | Federal law under Social Security Administration (SSA) | Allows Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients to keep Medicaid even after their earnings stop SSI payments\u2014if they meet certain conditions. ([ssa.gov](https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/1619b.htm?__utma=176294311.1682138818.1383596279.1383596279.1383596279.1&__utmb=176294311.3.9.1383596283662&__utmc=176294311&__utmk=114724295&__utmv=-&__utmx=-&__utmz=176294311.1383596279.1.1.utmcsr%3Dgoogle%7Cutmccn%3D%28organic%29%7Cutmcmd%3Dorganic%7Cutmctr%3D%28not+provided%29&utm_source=openai)) |\n\n---\n\n## Which Applies to You\n\nSince you're collecting SSDI and you\u2019re on Virginia Medicaid *right now*, but haven\u2019t yet had SSI payments (you said SSDI\u2014not SSI), **1619(b)** likely doesn\u2019t apply in your case. 1619(b) protects people who have:\n\n1. Received SSI cash payments for at least one month;  \n2. Qualified for Medicaid via SSI in the month *before* SSI stops due to earnings;  \n3. Still have a disabling condition;  \n4. Meet all other SSI eligibility rules except for the earnings;  \n5. Need Medicaid to keep working;  \n6. Earnings aren\u2019t enough to replace the full value of SSI + Medicaid + attendant care lost. ([ssa.gov](https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/1619b.htm?__utma=176294311.1682138818.1383596279.1383596279.1383596279.1&__utmb=176294311.3.9.1383596283662&__utmc=176294311&__utmk=114724295&__utmv=-&__utmx=-&__utmz=176294311.1383596279.1.1.utmcsr%3Dgoogle%7Cutmccn%3D%28organic%29%7Cutmcmd%3Dorganic%7Cutmctr%3D%28not+provided%29&utm_source=openai))\n\nSince you're not currently getting SSI cash payments, you wouldn\u2019t meet the 1619(b) \u201cprerequisite\u201d of having been eligible for SSI. So it\u2019s not the route for you.\n\n---\n\n## Virginia\u2019s Medicaid Works: Is It an Option?\n\nYes\u2014*Medicaid Works* is probably what you\u2019re looking for:\n\n- It\u2019s a **work incentive program** for Virginia residents with disabilities, employed or planning to be employed. ([dmas.virginia.gov](https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/for-applicants/populations-served/for-adults/aged-blind-or-disabled/medicaid-works/?utm_source=openai))  \n- It **allows higher allowable income and savings** than other Medicaid groups, so you can work without losing your Medicaid coverage. ([dmas.virginia.gov](https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/media/5755/medicaid-works-guide-revised-2-16-2023.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## Virginia Medicaid Works: Requirements\n\nTo qualify for *Medicaid Works* in Virginia, you must:\n\n1. Be blind or disabled (as determined by SSA or Virginia Disability Determination Services) and under 65. ([dmas.virginia.gov](https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/media/5755/medicaid-works-guide-revised-2-16-2023.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n2. Be age 16 or older. ([dmas.virginia.gov](https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/media/5755/medicaid-works-guide-revised-2-16-2023.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n3. Be a resident of Virginia. U.S. citizen, national or qualified non-citizen. ([dmas.virginia.gov](https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/media/5755/medicaid-works-guide-revised-2-16-2023.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n4. Be employed (or have a job offer) and show documentation of that. ([cubrevirginia.dmas.virginia.gov](https://cubrevirginia.dmas.virginia.gov/media/wtrlpcck/medicaid-works-program-guide-en-01-25-final.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n5. Meet income limits: \u201ccountable income\u201d no more than **$1,801/month** for an individual (lower if couple) under current rules. ([dmas.virginia.gov](https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/media/tbvhgdvi/medicaid-works-fact-sheet-en-01-25-final.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n6. Meet resource / asset limits: $2,000 if single, $3,000 if a couple. ([dmas.virginia.gov](https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/media/5755/medicaid-works-guide-revised-2-16-2023.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## Benefits of Medicaid Works\n\n- **Higher income allowed** than typical Medicaid limits. You could earn up to **$75,000/year** without losing eligibility (earnings rules apply). ([dmas.virginia.gov](https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/media/tbvhgdvi/medicaid-works-fact-sheet-en-01-25-final.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Bigger savings (resource) threshold** through a designated \u201cWIN account\u201d (Work Incentive account). As of January 2025, savings up to ~$59,755 in the WIN account are *not* counted toward your resource limit, as long as those savings are from earned income and the account is properly designated. ([dmas.virginia.gov](https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/media/tbvhgdvi/medicaid-works-fact-sheet-en-01-25-final.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- Continued Medicaid benefits (healthcare cover, etc.) even while working. ([dmas.virginia.gov](https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/media/5755/medicaid-works-guide-revised-2-16-2023.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## What Applying Looks Like / Timeline\n\nHere\u2019s roughly what you\u2019d do to apply for *Medicaid Works*, and when it becomes active:\n\n1. **Contact your local Department of Social Services (DSS)** in your county or city. They handle the enrollment. ([dmas.virginia.gov](https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/media/5755/medicaid-works-guide-revised-2-16-2023.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n2. **Complete the Medicaid Works Agreement.** It\u2019s a formal plan you sign stating you\u2019ll meet the requirements. ([dmas.virginia.gov](https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/media/5756/medicaid-works-fact-sheet-revised-2-16-2023.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n3. **Show proof of employment (or a job offer)**. If self-employed, you\u2019ll need documentation (business records, tax filings, etc.). ([cubrevirginia.dmas.virginia.gov](https://cubrevirginia.dmas.virginia.gov/media/wtrlpcck/medicaid-works-program-guide-en-01-25-final.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n4. **Open a WIN account.** Any checking or savings account works; you designate that as \u201cWIN account\u201d. Only *earned income* goes in. This helps keep savings/resource amounts under control for eligibility. ([dmas.virginia.gov](https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/media/5755/medicaid-works-guide-revised-2-16-2023.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n5. Submit all income, residency, disability verification, etc. DSS will evaluate your \u201ccountable income\u201d and \u201cresources.\u201d ([cubrevirginia.dmas.virginia.gov](https://cubrevirginia.dmas.virginia.gov/media/wtrlpcck/medicaid-works-program-guide-en-01-25-final.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n6. **Enrollment date**: If you satisfy all requirements in a month, coverage usually starts the **first day of the next month after all requirements are met**. If employment starts mid-month, your enrollment will begin the *first of the next month*. ([cubrevirginia.dmas.virginia.gov](https://cubrevirginia.dmas.virginia.gov/media/wtrlpcck/medicaid-works-program-guide-en-01-25-final.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## Things to Watch Out For / Report\n\n- **Annual redetermination.** DSS reviews your income, resources, disability status, employment situation no less than every year. ([cubrevirginia.dmas.virginia.gov](https://cubrevirginia.dmas.virginia.gov/media/wtrlpcck/medicaid-works-program-guide-en-01-25-final.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Report changes**: If you get a new job, change your hours, lose a job, get more income (earned or unearned), or if your disability status changes. ([cubrevirginia.dmas.virginia.gov](https://cubrevirginia.dmas.virginia.gov/media/wtrlpcck/medicaid-works-program-guide-en-01-25-final.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- If you lose eligibility for *Medicaid Works*, they\u2019ll check if another Medicaid category applies before dropping you. ([cubrevirginia.dmas.virginia.gov](https://cubrevirginia.dmas.virginia.gov/media/wtrlpcck/medicaid-works-program-guide-en-01-25-final.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## Comparing the Two: Virginia Works vs. 1619(b)\n\nHere\u2019s how they line up against what you described (SSDI; waiting on Medicare; wanting to work):\n\n- **1619(b)** only works for people who\u2019ve had **SSI** (not SSDI) and meet all those criteria. Since you haven\u2019t had SSI, 1619(b) likely *won\u2019t* apply.\n- **Medicaid Works** is for **Medicaid recipients with disability in Virginia**, whether you're getting SSDI or not. If you meet countable income & resource limits, you\u2019re a good candidate.  \n- If somehow you were also getting SSI + Medicaid (which you\u2019re not), 1619(b) might protect you *federally*. Medicaid Works is state-level, but works similarly for your state Medicaid.  \n\n---\n\n## What to Do Next Given Your Situation\n\n1. **Confirm your current Medicaid category.** Is your Medicaid tied to disability (ABD: Aged/Blind/Disabled)? Are you already a recipient under Virginia Medicaid with a diagnosis SSI/SSD/disabled classification?  \n2. **Check your countable income & resources.** Make sure your expected earnings and savings fit within the *Medicaid Works* thresholds\u2014monthly income limit and WIN-account savings.  \n3. **Reach out to your local DSS** and ask: *\u201cCan I enroll in Medicaid Works, and what documentation will I need?\u201d*  \n4. When you get an offer (or begin work), **set up your WIN account**, sign the Medicaid Works Agreement, and submit the required paperwork.  \n5. If you ever become eligible for Medicare later (when SSDI hits 2-year mark), there may be changes to how Medicaid Works interacts with Medicare\u2014make sure to ask about that.\n\n---\n\nIf you like, I can help lookup exactly what thresholds are right for your county in Virginia now, and estimate roughly how much you'd be able to earn without losing Medicaid under **Medicaid Works**. Do you want me to pull up those numbers for your area?"
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "What%20does%20it%20look%20like%20from%20a%20self-employment%20perspective%2C%20or%20me%20running%20my%20own%20LLC%20and%20collecting%20a%20slary%3F"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "If you were self-employed or running your own LLC and doing the LLC\u2019s accounting properly, *Medicaid Works* in Virginia has rules that can let you work and still keep Medicaid. Here\u2019s what that looks like\u2014what you\u2019d need, what counts, and how income/expenses are handled.\n\n---\n\n## What Counts as Self-Employment Under Medicaid Works\n\nVirginia treats anyone who earns income outside of a traditional employment (like a W-2 job) as self-employed. That includes:\n\n- Being a sole proprietor or single-member LLC (if taxed as such)\n- Independent contractor or gig worker\n- Running your own small business or LLC where you pay yourself from business profits ([coveredusa.org](https://coveredusa.org/en/blog/medicaid-if-self-employed?utm_source=openai))\n\nIf your LLC has employees or elects to be taxed in some special corporate way (S-Corp, C-Corp), different tax filings or definitions may apply. But generally, your \u201ctake-home profit\u201d after business expenses is what eventually counts. ([vacms-training.dss.virginia.gov](https://vacms-training.dss.virginia.gov/vacmsTraining/WebHelp/ProcedureHelp/Procedure/Self_Employment_Details.htm?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## Income Calculations: Net Earnings\n\nSince Medicaid Works allows self-employed income, they use **net earnings**\u2014that means your business revenue minus allowable business expenses\u2014for eligibility and ongoing assessments. If the business shows losses, those can reduce your net income. You\u2019ll need to document things like:\n\n- Business revenue (invoices, receipts)\n- Business expenses (supplies, rent, utilities, etc.)\n- IRS Schedule C, or other applicable business tax forms ([vacms-training.dss.virginia.gov](https://vacms-training.dss.virginia.gov/vacmsTraining/WebHelp/ProcedureHelp/Procedure/Self_Employment_Details.htm?utm_source=openai))\n\nAlso required may be quarterly estimated taxes, business plan or financial records proving profit or projected income if the business is new. ([help.workworldapp.com](https://help.workworldapp.com/wwwebhelp/va_medicaid_works_financial_eligibility.htm?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## What Counts / Doesn\u2019t Count for Eligibility (Income & Resources)\n\nHere\u2019s what you can expect Medicaid Works to look at under self-employment:\n\n### Earnings & Limits\n\n- Medicaid Works allows **earned income** up to **$75,000/year** under ongoing eligibility (as of Jan 2025 version) without losing the program, as long as you follow rules (e.g. savings in WIN Account, documentation) ([coverva.dmas.virginia.gov](https://coverva.dmas.virginia.gov/media/jjybr4wi/medicaid-works-fact-sheet-en-01-25-final.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- Unearned income (like SSDI, pensions, other non-work income) must remain under a limit too\u2014typically **80% of the Federal Poverty Level** for a single person. If your SSDI benefits push your total unearned above that, it could cause issues. ([coverva.dmas.virginia.gov](https://coverva.dmas.virginia.gov/media/1150/cover-va-mw-fact-sheet-rev-06212022.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n### Resources / Savings\n\n- To start, there\u2019s a resource limit: **$2,000** individually, **$3,000** if a couple. That includes checking/savings accounts, retirement, etc. ([coverva.dmas.virginia.gov](https://coverva.dmas.virginia.gov/media/jjybr4wi/medicaid-works-fact-sheet-en-01-25-final.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- But once you're enrolled, savings from your earned income stored in a designated **WIN account** do *not* count toward that\u2014or at least much of them are excluded, up to a fairly high cap. Effective January 2025, you can save up to around **$59,755** in the WIN account from your earnings without those savings hurting your eligibility. ([coverva.dmas.virginia.gov](https://coverva.dmas.virginia.gov/media/jjybr4wi/medicaid-works-fact-sheet-en-01-25-final.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n### WIN (\u201cWork Incentive\u201d) Account\n\n- This is a bank or savings account designated for your earned income (from your self-employment). All the money you make from your business (your profit after expenses) should go into this account. ([coverva.dmas.virginia.gov](https://coverva.dmas.virginia.gov/media/1150/cover-va-mw-fact-sheet-rev-06212022.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- WIN accounts are used both as a record of earned income and as a way to let you build up savings from those earnings without exceeding the *regular* asset/resource limit. ([cubrevirginia.dmas.virginia.gov](https://cubrevirginia.dmas.virginia.gov/media/wtrlpcck/medicaid-works-program-guide-en-01-25-final.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## What the Application Process Will Look Like From Self-Employed Side\n\nIf you're self-employed (LLC or otherwise), you\u2019ll still follow the same general steps to enroll in Medicaid Works, but with extra documentation for your business. Here\u2019s what that usually means:\n\n1. **Contact local Department of Social Services (DSS)** in your city/county and say you want to enroll in Medicaid Works as a person with self-employment income.  \n2. **Disability verification** as usual (SSA or state-determined).  \n3. **Business/employment verification.** If self-employed:  \n   - IRS filings (Schedule C, etc.), or  \n   - Quarterly estimated tax filings, or  \n   - Business records (income vs. expenses), or   \n   - Even a business plan for a startup showing projected earnings. ([help.workworldapp.com](https://help.workworldapp.com/wwwebhelp/va_medicaid_works_financial_eligibility.htm?utm_source=openai))  \n4. **Set up a WIN account.** Then deposit your earned income (net profit) into that account. All of your business earnings (after expenses) that you plan to use/live on will need to go there. ([coverva.dmas.virginia.gov](https://coverva.dmas.virginia.gov/media/1150/cover-va-mw-fact-sheet-rev-06212022.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n5. **Submit documentation of your net earnings.** That means profit after expenses, not gross revenue. Also estimate what you expect to earn if new business.  \n6. **Wait for eligibility decision.** If everything is in order, Medicaid Works coverage begins at the start of the next month after application requirements are met.  \n\n---\n\n## How Much You Can Earn & Still Keep Medicaid Works\n\nPutting it all together: with self-employment, your income must:\n\n- Be **net profit from your business** (business-income minus expenses) documented via tax forms or business records.\n- Stay under the **earned income cap** of around $75,000/year for ongoing eligibility.  \n- Keep your **unearned income** (like SSDI or other income not from your business) under certain limits (\u2264 ~80% of FPL).  \n- Keep your savings/resources under the regular limit **at initial application** but once in the program, allow more in the WIN account.  \n\nIf your business is your only income (aside from disability SSA/SSDI) and you manage your expenses, you could likely earn at decent rates without losing Medicaid, as long as profit isn\u2019t too rock-solid high and you follow the reporting rules.\n\n---\n\nIf you tell me the county you live in, I can pull up *your exact limits* (monthly income, resource caps, etc.) and estimate where you\u2019d fall if you draw, say, $3,000/month from your LLC profits after expenses. Do you want me to run those numbers for your county?"
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "Can%20I%20apply%20to%20Mediciad%20Works%2C%20if%20I%20wasn%27t%20already%20enrolled.%20So%20say%20I%20lose%20my%20Medicaid%2C%20and%20I%27m%20working%2C%20which%20is%20typically%20a%20disqualifier%20for%20typical%20Mediciad.%20Can%20I%20just%20straight%20up%20apply%20as%20a%20disabled%20person%20for%20Medicaid%20Works%3F"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Yes\u2014if you currently don\u2019t have Medicaid, *you can apply for Medicaid Works in Virginia.* The rules allow someone with a disability who is employed (or about to be employed) to apply directly, even if they aren\u2019t currently enrolled in any Medicaid category. Here's exactly how that process works, and what you'll need to do.\n\n---\n\n## What the Rules Say\n\n- Virginia\u2019s regulations clearly define that **an \u201celigible person\u201d** for Medicaid Works is someone who is:  \n  1. Disabled (by SSA or state determination)  \n  2. Employed or has documentation of imminent, prospective employment  \n  3. Between ages 16\u201364 (so under 65) ([regulations.justia.com](https://regulations.justia.com/states/virginia/title-12/agency-30/chapter-110/part-viii/section-12vac30-110-1500/?utm_source=openai))\n\n- If you\u2019re *not already on Medicaid*, a **full application is required**. You don\u2019t need to have been in Medicaid previously. This is confirmed in the Virginia Medical Assistance Eligibility Manual: if someone is *not currently enrolled in Medicaid*, they must submit a full application when applying for Medicaid Works. ([dmas.virginia.gov](https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/media/1dohczat/m03-7-1-25.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## What You\u2019ll Need to Do to Apply\n\nIf you want to apply for Medicaid Works even though you\u2019ve lost (or never had) regular Medicaid, here\u2019s the step-by-step process:\n\n1. **Disability verification**  \n   Prove that you\u2019re disabled\u2014either through SSA (SSDI or SSI), or through Virginia\u2019s disability determination process (Disability Determination Services). ([regulations.justia.com](https://regulations.justia.com/states/virginia/title-12/agency-30/chapter-110/part-viii/section-12vac30-110-1500/?utm_source=openai))\n\n2. **Proof of employment or a job offer**  \n   Show either current work, upcoming employment, or an offer. If self-employed, you\u2019ll need business records or tax forms. ([dmas.virginia.gov](https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/media/5755/medicaid-works-guide-revised-2-16-2023.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n3. **Complete the Medicaid Works Agreement**  \n   Virginia requires a signed agreement that outlines your employment or self-employment. This is part of the application. ([dmas.virginia.gov](https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/media/1dohczat/m03-7-1-25.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n4. **Set up a WIN account**  \n   If you\u2019re eligible, you\u2019ll need a designated Work Incentive (WIN) account. Earned income goes here, which helps with resource (asset) limits. ([cubrevirginia.dmas.virginia.gov](https://cubrevirginia.dmas.virginia.gov/media/0yfd2ezi/april-2025-va-medicaid-community-stakeholder-meeting-book-abbreviated-041725.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n5. **Submit full application**  \n   Because you aren't enrolled currently, you\u2019ll fill out the full Medicaid application form, not just a category change. Include income documents, resources, employment proof, etc. ([dmas.virginia.gov](https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/media/1dohczat/m03-7-1-25.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n6. **Set the effective date**  \n   Once all requirements are met (signed agreement, proof of employment, WIN account, income under limits, etc.), Medicaid Works eligibility begins **the first day of the month after** everything is satisfied. If your employment starts later, eligibility may begin the month that job starts, but not before. ([dmas.virginia.gov](https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/media/1dohczat/m03-7-1-25.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## What Happens If Your Medicaid Was Recently Terminated or Lost Due to Paperwork?\n\n- If Medicaid was **lost because of paperwork or missed renewal deadlines**, Virginia has processes to reinstate coverage without having to start over\u2014usually within a 90-day reconsideration window. ([legalclarity.org](https://legalclarity.org/how-to-reinstate-your-medicaid-coverage/?utm_source=openai))\n\n- But whether that reinstates *your original Medicaid category* or transitions you into Medicaid Works depends on if you meet the Medicaid Works requirements (disability + employment + other criteria). Even if reinstated, if you're now working, Medicaid Works may be the right category if your income is above what qualifies for standard Medicaid. ([dmas.virginia.gov](https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/media/5755/medicaid-works-guide-revised-2-16-2023.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## Things to Double-Check or Be Aware Of\n\n- **Income & resources at application** are evaluated under stricter limits than ongoing eligibility. If you're close to those limits, your application could be denied. ([cubrevirginia.dmas.virginia.gov](https://cubrevirginia.dmas.virginia.gov/media/0yfd2ezi/april-2025-va-medicaid-community-stakeholder-meeting-book-abbreviated-041725.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n- **No retroactive coverage** under Medicaid Works. Even if you were doing everything correctly months before applying, coverage under Medicaid Works typically doesn\u2019t start retroactively. ([dmas.virginia.gov](https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/media/1dohczat/m03-7-1-25.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n- **Special disqualifiers**: If you have a waiver like the Developmental Disability (DD) waiver or certain other specific Medicaid waivers, that might affect eligibility. Virginia has rules around switching or preserving waivers, but there are limits. ([cubrevirginia.dmas.virginia.gov](https://cubrevirginia.dmas.virginia.gov/media/0yfd2ezi/april-2025-va-medicaid-community-stakeholder-meeting-book-abbreviated-041725.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\nIf you tell me what county you\u2019re in, your expected self-employment income, and any other income (like SSDI), I can help approximate whether *Medicaid Works* would likely approve you, and exactly how much you can earn. Do you want me to estimate that for your county?"
    }
]