Health Care and the 2004 Elections: Health Care for Americans with Disabilities


 

Publication Date: October 2004

Publisher: Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation

Author(s):

Research Area: Health

Keywords: Health Policy

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

More than 50 million individuals, or roughly one in five Americans, have a disability.  While people with disabilities are relatively heavy users of healthcare services, they often receive these services much less frequently than is recommended.  Health issues that are important to people with disabilities span a wide range, but center on access to health insurance, coverage for essential services including prescription drugs and long-term services, and the financing of Medicaid and Medicare, given the critical role that they play in the lives of people with disabilities of all ages.