Disparity in Access to Healthcare among Individuals with Physical Disabilities: 2001-2010

Abstract

This study examines disability-related disparities in access to healthcare and investigates the factors associated with reporting no access to care. A retrospective analysis of reported access to healthcare for adults, 18 or older, with or without physical disabilities, who self-identified as non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic African-American (NHB), or Hispanic was conducted. Access to care was measured as 1) whether the individual reported being unable to get medical care, and 2) whether the individual reported being unable to receive dental care, and 3) whether the individual reported being unable to get prescription drugs. We modeled the three measures of access using logistic regressions. Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2001-2010). A nationwide sample of adults, 18 or older, with or without physical disabilities, who self-identified as non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic African-American (NHB), or Hispanic (secondary data analysis). N/A Access to care was measured as 1) whether the individual reported being unable to get medical care, and 2) whether the individual reported being unable to receive dental care, and 3) whether the individual reported being unable to get prescription drugs. We analyzed a total of 138,670 adults (with mild to severe physical disabilities=27,276; without any physical disability=111,404). Our analysis indicated the odds of reporting not getting medical care, dental care, and prescription drugs are 39% (p < 0.001), 51% (p < 0.001), and 38% (p < 0.001) higher for individuals with physical disabilities, respectively. Furthermore, in comparison with Whites with disabilities, our data showed that Hispanics with physical disabilities have an additional 37% (p < 0.015) higher odd of reporting inability to get prescription drugs. Our models of access indicated that being poor (p <0.001), lacking health insurance coverage (p < 0.001), being a smoker (P < 0.001), residing in South (P < 0.007), and being female (p < 0.001) also significantly increase the odds of reporting no access to care. There are large and significant disparities in access to healthcare between adults with and without physical disabilities.