Medicaid Supports and Services

Understanding Medicaid for People with Developmental Disabilities

Medicaid is a health coverage program that helps pay for necessary medical care for eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities. Medicaid is funded through a federal-state partnership, but the majority of funding is covered by the federal government. Medicaid is administered by states, according to federal requirements.

Medicaid provides essential healthcare, covering doctor visits, prescription medications, hospital care, and more. Medicaid also enables 239,000+ Michiganders with disabilities to live, work, and participate in their communities through Home and Community Based Services (HCBS). Without HCBS, thousands of people with disabilities would not be living in their communities and would likely be living in nursing homes or state-run institutions. Medicaid means disabled and older people can live at home and age in place.

Nearly 1 in 4 Michigan residents are covered by Medicaid and/or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). In addition, 10 percent of Michigan veterans and 60 percent of residents in nursing homes are covered by Medicaid.

Medicaid provides meaningful health coverage to people who would not be able to afford medical care on their own. Many adults with low income are also eligible for Medicaid due to the Medicaid expansion, which was adopted and implemented in Michigan in 2014. 

Eligibility for Medicaid services is primarily based on three factors: income, level of need, and residency. 

What are some current Medicaid issues affecting people with disabilities?

Federal and state budget decisions impact Medicaid funding, which impact the Medicaid services people with disabilities, seniors, pregnant women, and children rely on. If resources are limited, then states may reduce services, limit provider rates, or create waiting lists for HCBS. Not only does cutting Medicaid hurt individuals receiving services, but it also affects the hospitals and health centers that rely on Medicaid funding to provide critical care for patients.

Workforce shortages may also be an issue, especially in rural areas. A shortage of Medicaid providers and direct support professionals (DSPs) affects access to timely and consistent care. States may implement waitlists for certain Medicaid services, which will delay access to people who qualify for Medicaid. 

Administrative barriers also affect Medicaid recipients. Medicaid eligibility can be difficult to navigate. Families and individuals have also experienced challenges with paperwork, recertification processes, inconsistent communication from Medicaid providers, which make it harder for individuals in need to maintain their Medicaid coverage. 

These issues result in significantly different public education experiences for students with disabilities and their families.

Why Your Voice Matters

For people with disabilities in Michigan, Medicaid is more than health insurance - it's a lifeline. Many elected officials don't fully understand how Medicaid supports people with disabilities. By sharing your lived experiences, you can educate your elected officials and help them learn how changes to Medicaid would impact your daily life.