How Disabilities Impact Americans, Part 3
This is part 3 of a 4-part series examining how disabilities impact Americans, and how they may be able to get help.
Access To Healthcare Is an Issue
Access to proper healthcare has long been an issue for individuals with disabilities. This is unfortunate because it’s important that people with disabilities get appropriate health care. For one, access to healthcare can improve their quality of life. More importantly, it can minimize the worsening of their conditions.
Despite the need, many people living with disabilities are not receiving healthcare for one reason or another, such as:
- 1 in 3 do not have a usual healthcare provider
- 1 in 3 have an unmet healthcare need because of cost in the past year
- 1 in 4 did not have a routine check-up in the past year
Inequalities in access to healthcare are a very real concern in the United States right now. This is being driven by the cost of healthcare. These costs continue to rise year after year.
Earning Potential is One of Several Hurdles
According to the US Census, people with disabilities only earn 66 cents for every dollar compared to individuals without disabilities. This income disparity also contributes to the inability to access a higher quality of health care standards. And of course, many people with disabilities aren’t able to work at all, which only makes it harder for them to get healthcare.
These are not the only healthcare access concerns for people with disabilities. Many individuals do not have access to adequate transportation to go to the doctor. Some people are physically incapable of going to the doctor without proper assistance, which often costs more money. Other people simply cannot afford to go to the doctor as much as necessary due to high insurance deductibles. And in other cases, individuals cannot take time off work. Those people have to choose between their health and paying for daily living expenses, which is hardly fair.
The Impacts of Unequal Access To Healthcare
Without adequate health care access, people can experience a number of negative consequences. By putting off necessary medical care, individuals increase their risk of worsening their health. This can also lead to higher costs and expenditures once they do finally see a doctor. Also, having an impairment and not getting regular health checkups can directly impact the amount of coverage a person can get from a health insurance provider. This can be due to a lack of evidence of deteriorating or existing conditions those providers need to see.
SSDI & Medicare May Be a Lifeline
The good news is that recipients of monthly benefits from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are also eligible for Medicare, after a waiting period. Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are also usually eligible for Medicaid. Disability advocates, like us here at Citizens Disability, specialize in helping people apply for SSDI benefits. These monthly benefits can help people pay any of their bills, but also can be very helpful in paying for medical care. Having access to Medicare through SSDI can also be a tremendous help.
Part 1 • Part 2 • Part 3 • Part 4 • Infographic
Since 2010, Citizens Disability has been America’s premier Social Security Disability advocate. Our mission is to give a voice to the millions of Americans who are disabled and unable to work, helping them receive the Social Security Disability benefits to which they may be entitled. We have helped tens of thousands of individuals with their SSDI claims. Your success is our mission.
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