Health
People with disabilities may receive benefits from several federal health programs. Medicare covers a broad range of health services for people with permanent disabilities as well those 65 or older, although it does not cover most prescription drugs or long-term care. Medicaid covers people with disabilities who have low incomes by supplementing Medicare and providing certain long-term care services.
Like Medicaid, the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is jointly funded by federal and state governments. SCHIP covers children in low-income families ineligible for Medicaid, and (in some states) their parents. There also are federal health programs for specific groups such as veterans and Indians. In addition, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are federal agencies that fund health research and public health education.
The federal government provides income tax incentives to buy private insurance for health and long-term care services. But the federal government has a limited role in regulating the operation of private insurance, which is done mainly by the states. Nevertheless, Congress is considering the regulation of managed-care health plans such as Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs).
In addition to managed-care patients' rights, Congress may soon act on other health issues, including expanding programs for people without health insurance and adding a drug benefit to Medicare. But with healthcare prices rising faster than overall inflation and the population's rapid aging, adequate funding for federal health programs poses a major challenge.
Documents:
- The Importance of Medicaid to People with Disabilities: State-by-State Fact Sheets
- Medicaid Fact Sheet for State Legislators
- Medicaid Action Center for Details on Bush Administrations Proposed Changes
- Bush Proposes Major Changes in Medicare and Medicaid, NYTimes 2/23/03
- Durable Medical Equipment Used Outside the Home Should Be Covered by Medicare Part B
- UCP-Supported Coalition Testifies for Patients' Rights in Managed Care Plans
- HHS Launches National Family Caregiver Program
- Homebound Clarification Act of 2001
- Self Directed Support Corporations (SDSC)
- Major Victory in the Fight for Greater Coverage of Assistive Technology
- Understanding Medicaid Home and Community Services: A Primer
- SCHIP Coverage for Prenatal Care
- Surgeon General Releases Report on Improving the Health of Persons with Mental Retardation
- 2002 Task Force Report: A Call for Action
- HHS Launches New Pediatric Drug Safety Initiative
- On ADA Anniversary, President Announces Expanded Medicare “Homebound” Coverage Policy
- Senate Passes UCP-Supported Amendment to Increase Federal Medicaid and Social-Service Funding
- Secretary Thompson Announces Creation of the HHS Office on Disability
- HHS Approves New York's Request to Expand Medicaid
- GAO Releases Report on Nursing Home Quality, June 2003
- Ten Questions: On the Role of Medicaid for Persons with Developmental Disabilities in the United States
- President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health Releases Report
- Medicare Increases Nursing Home Payment Rates
- New Efforts Aimed at Stopping Abuse of the Power Wheelchair Benefit in the Medicare Program
- Challenges Facing the Medicaid Program in the 21st Century: CCD Statement to House Energy & Commerce Committee Health Hearing
- Medicare Announces 2004 Physician Fee Schedule and Payment Policy Changes
- UCP Calls on U.S. Pharmacopeia to Revise Guidelines
- UCP Comments on New Medicare Prescription Drug Program