Ticket to Work Basic (Kal’s Law) Frequently Asked Questions
Updated June 1, 2026
Ticket to Work Basic is a new eligibility group for Hawaii’s Medicaid Program. This form of Medicaid allows Hawaii residents to work with no income or asset limits while remaining eligible for their health insurance.
Q: What are the requirements to participate?
Ticket to Work Basic has no income or asset limits for participation.
It is available to Hawaii residents who:
- Are U.S citizens or meet Hawaii’s qualifying immigrant status requirements;
- Are between age 16 to 64;
- Have earned income, including self-employment income;
- Have a permanent disability as defined by SSA or through ADRC process.
Applicants must provide a valid Social Security Number (SSN), unless an exemption is met.
Q: How do I apply for Ticket to Work Basic?
Ticket to Work Basic is accessed through the normal process of applying for medical assistance or renewing medical assistance with the Med-QUEST Division. All applications are checked for eligibility for every Medicaid group, including Ticket to Work Basic.
Several methods for filing a Medicaid application can be found on the Med-QUEST Division’s Apply for Medicaid page.
Q: Will Ticket to Work Basic cover Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and Community Care Services (CCS)?
Yes. Ticket to Work Basic Medicaid will cover Medicaid waiver services, including Home and Community Based Services for people with developmental disabilities.
Q: Do I need to pay a cost-share, spenddown, or premium for Ticket to Work Basic?
No, there is no additional cost to participate.
Previously, individuals with income over the Federal Poverty Level needed to pay additional costs through a process of cost-share or spenddown to receive Medicaid. This is no longer necessary for those who meet all requirements for Ticket to Work Basic.
In other states, Medicaid Buy-In programs for working people with disabilities normally charge a monthly premium based on income. No premium is charged in Hawaii.
About The Author
Ronald Deese is a disability benefits planner at the Hawaii Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program located at the UHM Center on Disability Studies. If you have questions about the Ticket to Work Basic eligibility group, contact Ronald using the information below.
Ronald Deese
Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC)
UHM Center on Disability Studies
Email: rdeese@hawaii.edu
Phone: (808) 956-3306