The NDNRC wants to make sure that people with disabilities are aware of potential changes to their healthcare with the new administration taking office. The disability community utilizes Medicaid, and the ACA 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 foreseeable future.
There have been many administrative updates and introductions of changes this month, with a major memo that has since been frozen on pausing federal funding, which would greatly affect those who utilize Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. It is important for Navigators who are assisting people with disabilities and the disability community to stay on top of communications in relation to their healthcare. A statement summarizing these impacts was released by Georgetown University’s Center for Children and Families (CCF).
As an FYI for those who missed Open Enrollment, if enrollment or changes need to be made, people with disabilities who are looking for a Marketplace plan would need to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Common SEPs, but not a definitive list, can be due to changes in:
- Income
- Employment
- Healthcare coverage
- Household size
As a part of our partnership with the Center of Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), we have updated Factsheets 1 through 16, excluding Factsheet 6; people with disabilities should read topic and population specific sheets.
CBPP released a policy brief that highlights what could happen if certain spending cuts go through. Many people who utilize the Marketplace or Medicaid health insurance programs could face decreased health coverage and a rise in health care costs.
Medicaid has proven to greatly benefit many populations, including people with disabilities. As health policy changes are made, it is important for the disability community to advocate for themselves and others. The Commonwealth Fund released an interactive map on how Medicaid helps each state.
The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) released a refresher on how Medicaid gets financed, stating that Medicaid represents almost $1 out of every $5 spent on health care in the United States. CBPP also provided more context in policy basics with a piece on where each person’s federal tax dollars go.
CCF covered what Medicaid waste really means and how suggested cuts in spending are not comparable to actual fraud and waste in state Medicaid programs. Current proposals suggest cuts to Medicaid that amount to $2.3 trillion over the next ten years.
KFF reviewed an overview of claims, denials, and appeals in the ACA Marketplace in 2023. KFF reviewed data from HealthCare.Gov on claims and coverage, finding that 1 out of every 5 claims for in-network services were denied.
For those who want to follow updates on what is next for the ACA through a KFF virtual event, sign up for the February 10th virtual event at 12 PM ET! This 45-minute virtual discussion with an expert panel that will discuss questions and more about the future of the ACA.
Archives of our weekly updates are available on the NDNRC website.