Disability Assistance

This exam table can be raised and lowered, so it is easier to get on and off. Accessible tables such as this one are becoming more common.

If you have a disability, your health plan must remove most physical or communication barriers that make it hard for you to get the care you need. Call your health plan and be firm about what you need.

Use the worksheets on physical access and communication assistance to list the access or services you need.

Topics on this page

• What are my rights?
• Common examples of assistance or access
• Ask your doctor to be your advocate
• If you cannot get the care you need
• Medical equipment
• When you apply for health insurance

What are my rights?

Your access rights are protected by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

• More information   on your rights
• Know Your Rights  , a pocket guide for people with disabilities, is also available in Spanish and Chinese.

Common examples of assistance or access

Do not hesitate to ask for something even if it is not on this list.

• Providers with offices you can get to in a wheelchair.
• Exam tables and other medical equipment you can use if you have a mobility problem.
• Your service animal in the exam room with you.
• Important information, such as consent forms and treatment directions, in a format that you can use if you are blind or vision-impaired.
• A sign language interpreter, if you are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
• Use the worksheets on physical access and communication assistance to list the access or services you need.

Ask your doctor to be your advocate

You or your doctor may ask for changes in the way services are offered if the usual way does not work for you. For example, you may need a routine procedure done in a hospital rather than a clinic. Your plan must pay for these services if there are medical reasons why you need them.

If you cannot get the care you need

Your plan should help you find accessible providers. Your plan must pay for these providers, even if they are not in the plan’s network. If your plan refuses, you can file a complaint.

Medical equipment

Before you join a plan, ask if it covers the equipment you need and what your costs would be. Ask if there is a limit on what the plan will pay in a year.

When you apply for health insurance

A group plan cannot refuse to cover you, or charge you more, if you have a disability. An individual plan may refuse to insure you based on your health history.

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