An analysis of proposed disability policy legislation and its impact as health policy for Individuals with disabilities

Congressionally-made health policy often fails to consider the special health needs of individuals with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities often lack needed care because of the absence of health coverage, inaccessibility of medical equipment, and physician ignorance of treatment needs and the resulting health care disparities individuals with disabilities experience. Several bills before the current Congress fall under the “disability policy” umbrella. Though not necessarily the stated goal of these policy initiatives, they are in effect health policy bills for individuals with disabilities. If enacted, these bills have the potential to have a profoundly positive effect on the health of individuals with disabilities. For example, the Americans with Disabilities Restoration Act (ADA) seeks to restore the original definition of disabilities to the law, so more individuals with disabilities will once again be covered by the ADA and thus, will be employed. This will have the ultimate effect of expanding or increasing employer-based health coverage for individuals with disabilities. Other proposed bills will tailor health promotion and prevention programs for individuals with disabilities, and increase appropriate care and interventions by promoting access to health care and physicians who understand the needs of individuals with physical, psychological, and intellectual impairments. This session analyzes current bill before the Congress and their impact on the health of individuals with disabilities. Further, the author suggests additional legislation that could address health disparity issues for individuals with disabilities