In the U.S. healthcare system, few programs are as effective for people with disabilities as Medicaid. Medicaid is the main program providing long-term services and support that help individuals with disabilities remain independent in their homes and communities. This article explains why Medicaid is essential for people with disabilities.
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and families, including those with disabilities.
Created in 1965, it is the country’s major public health coverage program, covering about 93 million people, including over 10 million people with disabilities, as of 2023. Unlike Medicare, which primarily serves seniors, Medicaid serves a diverse population, including children, adults, and people with disabilities of all ages.
Services offered by Medicaid include doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, rehabilitation services, mental health care, and long-term care. Medicaid is also flexible, allowing states to design and implement their programs while adhering to federal guidelines.
Why is Medicaid Essential for People With Disabilities?
Below are some reasons why Medicaid is essential for people with disabilities:
For Long-Term Health Care
No other program pays as much for long-term healthcare as Medicaid. As such, individuals with disabilities can benefit from Medicaid’s long-term care services, allowing them to receive the care they need without depleting their savings or burdening their families.
They Can Help to Meet Specific Needs
People with disabilities with specific needs can benefit from Medicaid waivers, allowing different states to find creative ways to meet their needs. For instance, many states have waivers that provide family support services, such as respite care for those families who provide home care for their loved ones with disabilities.
For Productive Living
Various Medicaid services like home health, attendant care, adult day, and prevocational services are invaluable for people with disabilities to stay out of nursing homes and live productive lives within their homes and communities.
How Can Medicaid Benefit Individuals With Disabilities?
Here are some of the benefits of Medicaid services for individuals with disabilities:
To Boost Their Independence
Medicaid includes supportive services that complement medical care and help people with disabilities maintain their independence. Other sources of insurance don’t traditionally cover most of these supportive services, such as personal care.
Employment Support
Medicaid also funds employment support and services for people with disabilities, helping them find and maintain jobs. Such services that support their employment drive include skills assessment, job placement, negotiation with prospective employers, coaching, and so on.
Provides the Full Range of Medical Care Services
Medicaid provides individuals with disabilities with mandatory benefits, including services like inpatient and outpatient hospital services, physician services, laboratory and x-ray services, and home health services. It also includes optional benefits, including services like prescription drugs, case management, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
Take Advantage of the Best Health Insurance Program for Individuals With Disabilities
If you are living with a disability, Medicaid can help improve your quality of life, making it possible for you to lead an independent life without the high associated costs.
Silver Crest Insurance is your number one consultant on all things health insurance, and our doors are open for advice on how to make the best of Medicaid. Contact us today.