The NDNRC wants to make sure that people with disabilities are aware of potential changes to their healthcare with the new administration taking office starting January 20, 2025. The disability community utilizes Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA)’s Marketplace plans at a higher rate than those without disabilities due to their unique needs.
By updating this newsletter with resources and educational pieces on where disability health policies stand, we hope to ensure that the disability community continues to have access to accessible and affordable healthcare coverage no matter what changes occur in the next four years.
The CHIRblog reiterated that health policy work continues for disability advocates in sustaining equitable access to healthcare coverage, with potential budget and funding cuts to entities that help provide these services to marginalized communities. However, it is important to note the highlights of this administration’s commitment to health equity:
- Latinx Marketplace enrollees increased by 185%
- Black Marketplace enrollees increased by 200%
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients were able to obtain Marketplace coverage
- Saved Marketplace enrollees over $1.5 billion in personal out-of-pocket costs
While reviewing the results of the election, it is important to consider the motivating factors for voters and seeing where health policy is placed. The Kaiser Family Foundation conducted an analysis of voters’ concerns for this election.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have released the draft Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters (NBPP) for 2026. This is important for consumers to review, as it contains standards and procedures that the Marketplace must abide by.
Use CMS’ partner tools and toolkits to conduct outreach for OE. This includes social media posts, images, scripts, themed weeks, webinars, and more! Outreach materials are available in multiple languages. Get covered or make changes to existing plans today. Here are some important dates to keep in mind:
- December 15, 2024: the last day to enroll or change plans for coverage that starts on January 1, 2025
- January 15: the official end of OE and last day to enroll in coverage that starts on February 1, 2024
As a part of our partnership with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, we have updated Factsheets 1 through 16, excluding Factsheet 6 in anticipation for Open Enrollment (OE). Read an overall summary of relevant factsheets on our blog here. People with disabilities can expect to find a plan for less than $10 per month – visit HealthCare.Gov for more information.
Keep up with vaccinations this flu season and be prepared with free at-home COVID-19 tests that are accessible for people who are blind or have low vision and those with low manual dexterity. Through the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and the United States Postal Service (USPS), test will be able to detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through the end of 2024.
Archives of our weekly updates are available on the NDNRC website. Follow us on Twitter/X at @NDNRC!