Health Insurance Plans and Health Resources for People with Disabilities

Health insurance helps you pay for medical services and sometimes prescription drugs. You and your insurer each agree to pay a certain dollar amount or percentage of your medical expenses.

How to Get Health Coverage

You can get health care coverage through:

• A group coverage plan at your job or your spouse or partner's job
• Your parents' insurance plan, if you are under age 26
• A plan you purchase on your own directly from a health insurance company or through the Health Insurance Marketplace
• Government programs such as 

• Medicare
• Medicaid
• Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
• The Veterans Health Administration or TRICARE for military personnel
• Your state, if it provides a health insurance plan
• Continuing employer coverage from your former employer, on a temporary basis under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)

Types of Health Insurance Plans

When purchasing health insurance, your choices typically fall into one of three categories:

• Traditional fee-for-service health insurance plans are usually the most expensive choice. They offer the most flexibility in choosing health care providers.
• Health maintenance organizations (HMOs) offer lower co-payments and cover the costs of more preventive care. Your choice of health care providers is limited to those who are part of the plan.
• Preferred provider organizations (PPOs) offer lower co-payments like HMOs but give you more options when selecting a provider.

Choosing a Health Insurance Plan

Reading the fine print is important when choosing health care plans. These questions may help:

• Can I go to any doctor, hospital, clinic, or pharmacy I choose?
• Are specialists, such as eye doctors and dentists covered?
• Does the plan cover special conditions or treatments such as pregnancy, psychiatric care, and physical therapy?
• Does the plan cover home care or nursing home care?
• Will the plan cover all medications my physician may prescribe?
• What are the deductibles? This is the amount you must pay each year before your insurance company will begin paying claims. 
• Are there any co-payments? This is the amount of money you pay each time you receive medical services or a prescription.
• If there is a dispute about a bill or service, how is it handled?

Health Insurance and Health Resources for People with Disabilities

Find information about health insurance and resources for people with disabilities.

Health Coverage for People With Disabilities

If you have a disability, you have three options for health coverage through the government. 

• Medicaid provides free or low-cost medical benefits to people with disabilities. Learn about eligibility and how to apply.  
• Medicare provides medical health insurance to people under 65 with certain disabilities and any age with end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant). Learn about eligibility, how to apply and coverage. 
• Affordable Care Act Marketplace offers options to people who have a disability, don’t qualify for disability benefits, and need health coverage. Learn about the Marketplace, how to enroll, and use your coverage. 

Health Resources for People With Disabilities

Federal, state, and local government agencies and programs can help with your health needs if you have a disability. 

• Explore the Disability and Health section of CDC.gov for articles, programs, tips for healthy living and more. 
• Learn more about benefits for people with disabilities from the Social Security Administration. 
• Contact your local city or county government to find out what medical and health services are available locally for people with disabilities. 
• Your state social service agency can help you locate medical and health programs.  
• Visit USA.gov’s Government Benefits page to learn more about government programs and services that can help you and your family.