More than 10 million children and adults with disabilities rely on Medicaid for their health coverage. This population comprises about 15% of all Medicaid beneficiaries. Their disabilities may include physical impairments and injuries, intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental and behavioral health disorders and other conditions. Medicaid provides a full range of coverage for people with disabilities, including preventive services, primary and specialty care, prescription drugs, medical equipment and long-term services and supports. About 40% of Medicaid beneficiaries with disabilities are also enrolled in Medicare, with Medicaid covering many of the services that Medicare does not cover, including long-term services and supports, and - depending on the state - dental, vision and hearing services.
Medicaid is a lifeline for people with disabilities. People with disabilities are unlikely to have access to employer-sponsored coverage and, because they are likely to have low-incomes, they may not be able to cover their health care costs on their own. Even with private coverage, people with disabilities may not be able to get the care they need since private plans typically do not cover the range of services available through Medicaid.
National data show that people with disabilities who are covered by Medicaid are as likely as their counterparts with Medicare or private insurance to have a primary care doctor. They also report that they are less likely to have unmet needs overall and are less likely to have unmet needs due to cost.
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