Overview

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 (I/DD), 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 I/DD. However, many states have lengthy waiting lists for these vital services or are only able to provide limited supports to eligible people with I/DD.

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.

You can learn more about The Arc’s position on Medicaid by reading our position statements on health care and long term supports and services.