Health & benefits
Access to quality, affordable health care is the foundation of an independent, productive life. For people with disabilities, who often have significant health care needs, health care access is crucial. AAPD supports quality physical and mental health care that is accessible, affordable, community-based, self-determined, and responsive to individual needs.
Many people with disabilities benefit from long-term care and support programs such as Medicaid and Social Security. These programs provide medical care, tools such as personal care aides, and other services. AAPD supports full funding of programs that benefit millions of Americans with disabilities. We advocate for an emphasis on community-based care, which provides access to family, employment, community, and full participation. AAPD also supports changes to long-term support programs that will incentivize participation in the work force.
AAPD monitors and advocates health care reform laws and regulations, health information technology policy and legislation, and federal and state funding proposals regarding long-term care.
Self-reported Health Status Among U.S. Adults 18 and over
| Health Status |
With Disability | Without Disability |
| Excellent/Very Good | 27.2% | 60.2% |
| Good | 32.5% | 29.9% |
| Fair/Poor | 40.3% | 9.9% |
—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Affordable Care Act Implementation
On March 23, 2010 President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, an important and controversial reform to the U.S. health care system that will have significant impacts for people with disabilities.
AAPD is closely monitoring progress toward implementing the new law.
Long-term supports
The Affordable Care Act contains important provisions expanding Medicaid coverage and providing for more community-based options for people with disabilities.
However, Medicaid is now facing deep cuts in debt and deficit reduction negotiations.
STAND WITH AAPD TO PROTECT MEDICAID!
Health Information Technology Initiative
There is increasing use of health information technologies (HIT) in the healthcare field today. People with disabilities face barriers in accessing these technologies. This includes individuals with disabilities who are healthcare consumers, healthcare professionals, administrative employees, clinicians, researchers, other healthcare staff and students training to become healthcare professionals. The AAPD works to promote HIT accessibility for all.
AAPD is partnering with Pittsburgh University’s Rehabilitation Engineering and Research Center on Telerehabilitation (RERC-TR), which is developing ways of providing services, including rehabilitation services, through broadband and internet technologies. For more information, click here.
