ADA 30th Anniversary: Bringing Attention to Health Equity for People with Disabilities

ADA 30th Anniversary: Bringing Attention to Health Equity for People with Disabilities

In honor of the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office (MMCO) is sharing messages and materials on supporting equal opportunities and inclusion for people with disabilities, many of whom are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.

On July 26, 1990 the ADA was enacted to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life (work, school, employment, transportation). Join us in recognizing this observance and use this anniversary to bring attention to health equity for people with disabilities.

Disability-Competent Care

Disability-competent care (DCC) is an aspirational, participant-centered model that focuses on the eventual goal of supporting individuals to achieve maximum function. The DCC model is delivered by an interdisciplinary team (IDT) whom recognizes and treats each individual as a unique person, not their diagnosis or condition. The model encourages participant direction in choices regarding their health, wellness, and life in the community.

For more information, visit the Resources for Integrated Care website.

Resources for People with Disabilities

  • Download From Coverage to Care COVID-19 Resources to learn how to protect yourself during COVID-19, including information about health services typically covered under Medicare and Marketplace plans, as well as tips for getting the care you need at home.
  • Download and share Getting the Care You Need: A Guide for People with Disabilities to help people with disabilities understand their rights around accessing medical services. The guide includes a checklist to help you get the care you need before, during, and after your appointment. It is also available in Spanish, with more languages coming soon. To request a physical copy in Braille, please contact CMS at healthequityTA@cms.hhs.gov.
  • Visit the Medicare.gov “I have a disability page to find and share information about Medicare plans, benefits, and protections for people with disabilities

Resources for Health Care Professionals

Visit Celebrating 30 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act for more information.