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Alaska • Chronic Illness
Alaskans living with HIV/AIDS may qualify for federal and state benefits, including Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs to help manage medical and living costs.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your HIV/AIDS must cause severe limitations that prevent you from working. For SSDI, you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. HIV/AIDS is listed as a qualifying condition if it meets these criteria [^1].
In Alaska, people with HIV/AIDS may qualify for Adult Public Assistance (APA) if they are disabled, blind, or aged 65+, have limited income and resources, and are Alaska residents. APA provides cash help to stay independent. You must apply for all other benefits you may qualify for, like SSI or Medicaid. Resources cannot exceed $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. Medicaid waivers and the Alaska ABLE program are also available for those with qualifying disabilities, including HIV/AIDS [^2][^3][^4].
The Alaska ABLE Plan lets people with disabilities, including HIV/AIDS, save money for qualified expenses without losing federal benefits. You can save up to $14,000 per year. Funds can be used for education, transportation, assistive technology, and other disability-related costs. The account is easy to open online and is managed by the Alaska Department of Revenue [^4].
You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment or loss of benefits. Report changes to Social Security and the Department of Health and Social Services as soon as possible. Keep records of all reports and communications [^2].
Contact the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services or Comagine Health for help with Medicaid and APA applications. They can guide you through the process and answer your questions.
Yes, if your HIV/AIDS causes severe limitations that prevent you from working. You must meet the SSA’s disability criteria and work credit requirements for SSDI, or income and resource limits for SSI.
APA provides cash assistance to Alaskans who are aged, blind, or disabled, including those with HIV/AIDS. You must meet income and resource limits to qualify.
You can apply for Medicaid online or by mail through the Department of Health and Social Services. You’ll need to provide proof of income, resources, and disability.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without losing benefits. Alaska offers the Alaska ABLE Plan, which you can open online.
Yes, Alaska offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including HIV/AIDS. These waivers provide home and community-based services. Contact Comagine Health for more information.
SSI income limits change yearly. APA limits are $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. Check the SSA and Department of Health and Social Services websites for current limits.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Yes, you must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Report changes to Social Security and the Department of Health and Social Services as soon as possible.
Yes, there are work incentives for people with disabilities. You can earn some income without losing benefits. Check the SSA’s work incentives page for details.
You’ll need medical records that show your HIV/AIDS causes severe limitations. The SSA and state agencies may require specific forms and doctor’s statements.
Approval times vary. SSI/SSDI can take several months. State programs like APA may be faster. Providing complete documentation helps speed up the process.
