Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to low-income individuals, including children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. It is the largest public health insurance program in the U.S., serving over 80 million people.
For individuals with developmental disabilities, Medicaid is a critical source of funding for medical care, long-term services, and community-based support, including personal care, therapy, and employment assistance.
Each state administers its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, meaning benefits and eligibility requirements can vary. However, Medicaid remains the primary way people with developmental disabilities access essential healthcare and support services to live independently and participate in their communities.
While Medicaid is a broad program, it has a specific benefits that support people with developmental disabilities. Here are top five ways Medicaid supports people with developmental disabilities across the country:
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Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): Medicaid funds Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, which allow people with developmental disabilities to receive care in their homes or communities rather than in institutional settings. These waivers cover services like personal care assistance, respite care, and employment support.
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Primary Health Coverage Provider: Medicaid is the largest health insurance provider for people with developmental disabilities, covering essential medical services, prescription medications, therapy, and assistive technologies that many private insurance plans do not.
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Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS): Medicaid helps individuals with developmental disabilities access long-term services and supports, including day programs, behavioral therapies, and residential services, which promote independence and inclusion in society. According to Medicaid.gov, 86.2 percent of long term-services and support (LTSS) users received HCBS in 2021.
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Employment and Independence Programs: Medicaid supports programs such as the Medicaid Buy-In, which allows people with disabilities to work while still maintaining Medicaid eligibility. This helps individuals gain employment while ensuring continued access to critical healthcare services.
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Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT): For children with developmental disabilities, Medicaid’s EPSDT program ensures they receive comprehensive and preventive healthcare services, including developmental screenings, therapies, and interventions that support early development and long-term well-being.
What is Medicaid called in your state?
Alabama: Alabama Care
Alaska: DenaliCare
Arizona: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
Arkansas: Arkansas Medicaid/Healthcare
California: Medi-Cal
Colorado: Health First Colorado
Connecticut: HUSKY Health/ Connecticut Medicaid
Delaware: Diamond State Health Plan/Delaware Medicaid
Florida: Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC)
Georgia: Georgia Medicaid
Hawaii: Med-QUEST
Idaho: Idaho Medicaid
Illinois: Illinois Medicaid
Indiana: Hoosier Healthwise
Iowa: Iowa Medicaid
Kansas: KanCare
Kentucky: Kentucky Medicaid
Louisiana: Louisiana Medicaid
Maine: MaineCare
Maryland: Maryland Medical Assistance Program
Massachusetts: MassHealth
Michigan: Michigan Medicaid
Minnesota: Minnesota Health Care Programs
Mississippi: Mississippi Medicaid
Missouri: MO HealthNet
Montana: Montana Medicaid
Nebraska: Nebraska Medicaid
Nevada: Nevada Medicaid
New Hampshire: New Hampshire Medicaid
New Jersey: NJ FamilyCare
New Mexico: New Mexico Medicaid
New York: New York State Medicaid
North Carolina: North Carolina Medicaid
North Dakota: North Dakota Medicaid
Ohio: Ohio Medicaid
Oklahoma: SoonerCare
Oregon: Oregon Health Plan
Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Medicaid
Puerto Rico: Mi Salud
Rhode Island: Rhode Island Medicaid
South Carolina: South Carolina Healthy Connections
South Dakota: South Dakota Medicaid
Tennessee: TennCare
Texas: Texas Medicaid
Utah: Utah Medicaid
Vermont: Green Mountain Care
Virginia: Virginia Medicaid
Washington: Washington Apple Health
West Virginia: West Virginia Medicaid
Wisconsin: BadgerCare
Wyoming: Wyoming Medicaid
