Disability & Long-Term Care · Surprise rank #35
Lost Free Medicare Part A Because You Went Back to Work? QDWI Can Pay the Premium
The federal Qualified Disabled & Working Individual (QDWI) Medicare Savings Program can pay the Part A premium for certain disabled people who returned to work and lost premium-free Part A.
Who
People with a disability who are working and lost Social Security disability benefits and premium-free Medicare Part A because they returned to work.
Where: Nationwide federal program; state administration varies
What to do
Start here: Ask the local Medicaid/Medicare Savings Program office specifically about QDWI and whether New York is currently processing this category.
Eligibility: Medicare lists 2026 federal limits of $5,405 monthly income and $4,000 resources for one person, or $7,299 monthly income and $6,000 resources for a married couple. States can use different rules.
What you get
QDWI pays the Medicare Part A premium only.
Benefit: Payment of the Medicare Part A premium.
Possible value: Potentially thousands of dollars per year depending on the applicable Part A premium.
Good to know
Important: Medicare still lists QDWI nationally, but New York's public 2026 Medicare Savings Program page currently highlights QMB and QI rather than QDWI. Treat New York availability as needing direct confirmation before relying on it.
Availability: Federal program remains active in 2026; New York-specific processing should be confirmed
Why people miss it: It is a very narrow Medicare Savings Program category aimed specifically at disabled people who lost premium-free Part A after returning to work.
Sources reviewed: Aug 10, 2026