Medicaid

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates global spending on healthcare at $6.5 trillion, approximately 10.5% of the world’s gross domestic product. The United States’ (US) share of that spending is $2.6 trillion, essentially quadrupling since 1980. The 2010 United States Patient Medicaid is the nation’s primary health insurance program for people with disabilities, but it is so much more than health care. For individuals with disabilities and their families, Medicaid also funds vital supports to keep them in their communities.
For many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), Medicaid generally is the only source of funds for them to live and work in the community with friends and families and avoid more costly and segregated nursing homes or institutions. Nationwide, state and federal Medicaid together provide over 75 percent of the funding for services for people with IDD. However, many states have lengthy waiting lists for these vital services or are only able to provide limited supports to eligible people with IDD.
Medicaid is critical for many people with disabilities who may not have access to employer-based or other private coverage, have greater medical needs, and often require assistance with activities of daily living throughout their lifetimes. The program currently covers over 10 million non-elderly people with disabilities. (author introduction)