For Immediate Release
November 3, 2025
Sierra Wallace, Communications Director
(202)355-8431
Swallace@dccouncil.gov

Councilmember Henderson Introduces the Judith Heumann Memorial Workers with Disabilities Act of 2025

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Councilmember Christina Henderson introduced the Judith Heumann Memorial Workers with Disabilities Act of 2025. Named in honor of disability rights pioneer Judith Heumann, the bill would establish the District Workers with Disabilities Program, a Medicaid buy-in program that allows District residents with disabilities to maintain health coverage while earning income above Medicaid’s traditional limits as long as they pay affordable monthly premiums.  

“Judith Heumann dedicated her life to breaking down barriers and expanding opportunities for people with disabilities,” said Councilmember Henderson. “This legislation honors her legacy by ensuring that no one in the District has to choose between working and keeping their health coverage. Everyone deserves the chance to build independence and thrive in our community.”

Currently, aged, blind, and disabled individuals who earn more than $1,305 per month, or two-person households earning more than $1,763 per month, do not qualify for Medicaid. The Judith Heumann Memorial Workers with Disabilities Act would establish a program that allows working-age residents with disabilities to “buy in” to Medicaid through modest monthly premiums. The program creates a path to both employment and health security, removing a long-standing barrier to economic independence.

Under the legislation:

• Eligible participants must be employed District residents who are age 16–64 and have a disability;  

• Premiums would be based on income and tied to the Federal Poverty Level, with hardship provisions for those facing temporary financial strain; and

• Coverage would include the full scope of services available under the District’s Medicaid program through participating providers.

Forty-seven states already operate Medicaid buy-in programs. The District’s adoption of this model would reaffirm its commitment to inclusion, equity, and workforce participation for residents with disabilities.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this bill and strengthen opportunities for people with disabilities to thrive in our community,” Henderson said.

This bill was co-introduced by Councilmembers Brooke Pinto, Anita Bonds, Robert C. White Jr., Charles Allen, Matthew Frumin, Brianne K. Nadeau, and Janeese Lewis George.

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