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Plain-English guide to CS/HB 915 (2026) - Chapter 2026-88 - Florida Statute 409.9041
Florida law protects Medicaid home- and community-based waiver eligibility for certain working adults with developmental disabilities. It allows eligible individuals to work and earn additional income while remaining eligible for Medicaid, provided the program requirements are met.
| Requirement / protection | What the law says |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 or older |
| Disability | Must have a developmental disability as defined by Florida law |
| Employment | Must be employed and have earned income |
| Waiver | Must be enrolled in a qualifying Medicaid home and community based services waiver. |
| Income ceiling | Maximum monthly income is 550% of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Federal Benefit Rate |
| Assets | $13,000 disregarded for an individual; $24,000 for a couple |
| Retirement accounts | Assets in an IRS-recognized retirement account are excluded from the Medicaid asset limit |
| Enrollment | Eligible individuals are automatically enrolled; participation is optional |
An adult with a qualifying developmental disability who is enrolled in an eligible Medicaid HCBS waiver and has earned income from employment may be able to earn considerably more while maintaining Medicaid waiver eligibility.
Important: This program concerns Medicaid eligibility. It does not mean SSI cash-benefit rules have changed. SSI, Medicaid, ABLE accounts, Special Needs Trusts, and retirement accounts can have different income and resource rules.
Florida Statute 409.9041, Working People with Disabilities program; CS/HB 915 (2026), Chapter 2026-88.
Effective May 21, 2026.
Public information summary only. This is not legal advice and does not replace an eligibility determination by Florida DCF/AHCA or advice from a qualified benefits planner or attorney.
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