Unfortunately our healthcare system supports the institutionalization of disabled individuals, denying them freedom. It can be detrimental to one’s health, may be a violation of civil rights, and denies equal opportunity. This is seen in a variety of cases including homeless disabled individuals being taken to psychiatric institutions, individuals being forced to assisted living facilities due to lack of coverage for at home care, or confinement of children for “specialized care.” Medicaid has historically covered care in nursing homes in all states but lacked at home care opportunities. Institutionalization can be attributed to various factors including the misperception of the abilities of disabled individuals and our society’s lack of acceptance surrounding disability.
Filmmaker Jason DaSilva discusses this issue in his documentary “How HealthCare Makes Disability a Trap.” He hopes to move from NYC to be closer to his son in Texas but in turn has to give up the care he needs for his multiple sclerosis. He discovers that, unlike NY, in states like Texas, New Mexico, and Louisiana 24/7 home care is not an option, subjecting people to skilled nursing homes and loss of freedom.
Filmmaker Jason DaSilva discusses this issue in his documentary “How HealthCare Makes Disability a Trap.” He hopes to move from NYC to be closer to his son in Texas but in turn has to give up the care he needs for his multiple sclerosis. He discovers that, unlike NY, in states like Texas, New Mexico, and Louisiana 24/7 home care is not an option, subjecting people to skilled nursing homes and loss of freedom.
Many disabled individuals have advocated for policies that reflect the necessity to retain independence and control over their own lives. Under Medicaid, at home care is now required in all 50 states; however, each state has different rules about qualification and the types of home care covered. Home health care ranges from trained medical professionals coming to an individuals home to transportation assistance to necessary medical equipment and supplies. Added comfort and familiarity from family is possible in some states as family members can be paid to provide care for the individual receiving Medicaid.
Community First Choice
is a program that supports Medicaid enrollees by providing home and community based services, established under the Affordable Care Act. Its intention is to prioritize personal choice, freedom, and flexibility in care for those in a community setting. This includes services to assist with daily living activities such as meal preparation, grooming, mobility, etc. Eligibility typically depends on either financial eligibility, functional eligibility, or both. Unfortunately very few states offer this home care option. States that do so are Connecticut, Alaska, California, Maryland, Montana, New York, Oregon, Washington, and Texas.