The Importance of Preventative Healthcare Services for People with Disabilities By Phillip Bramwell

The Importance of Preventative Healthcare Services for People with Disabilities

By Phillip Bramwell

Preventative healthcare is a cornerstone for enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. As an advocate deeply invested in disability rights, I define preventative healthcare as services that improve deficits caused by disability—not by curing the condition but by mitigating its negative impacts. These services focus on "functional maintenance" rather than improvement, aiming to help individuals maintain their current physical and mental capabilities.

Understanding Preventative Healthcare Services

Preventative services encompass a range of activities that contribute to overall well-being:

- Gym Memberships and Training Sessions: Enhance strength and physical function.

- Massage Therapy: Alleviate muscle tension and improve circulation.

- Aquatic Therapy: Offer low-impact exercise options for joint pain or muscle weakness.

- Yoga and Mindfulness Practices: Promote flexibility, balance, and mental well-being.

These services collectively address the everyday challenges faced by people with disabilities, contributing to a better quality of life.

Why Are Preventative Healthcare Services Important?

1. Increased Workforce Participation

Maintaining physical health enables individuals with disabilities to join or remain in the workforce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022, only 21.3% of persons with a disability were employed, compared to 65.4% of those without a disability. Improving access to preventative healthcare can help close this gap.

2. Decreased Hospitalizations

Engaging in preventative services reduces the need for hospital visits and emergency care. A study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that preventative interventions could reduce hospitalizations among high-risk patients by up to 12%.

3. Improved Quality of Life

Preventative services enhance essential aspects of life quality:

- Physical Well-being: Regular activity manages weight and improves mobility.

- Pain Management: Therapies reduce chronic pain common among individuals with disabilities.

- Social Connection: Community programs foster interactions, reducing isolation and depression.

Barriers to Accessing Preventative Healthcare

Despite their benefits, obstacles hinder access:

Financial Constraints

Many preventative services aren't covered by insurance or government programs. The National Disability Institute reports that nearly one in three adults with disabilities lives in poverty, making these services unaffordable.

Reactive Healthcare Policies

The U.S. healthcare system often provides assistance only when conditions become severe, neglecting the benefits of early intervention and forcing individuals to sacrifice assets and autonomy.

Administrative Hurdles

Complex eligibility criteria and extensive paperwork deter individuals from seeking available services.

Funding Solutions for Preventative Healthcare

To overcome these barriers:

1. Raising Income and Asset Caps

Increasing the eligibility thresholds for Medicaid and Medicare would allow more individuals to qualify for assistance without impoverishing themselves. Considering the high costs associated with disabilities, a six-figure income might be necessary for financial independence.

2. Encouraging Employment

Promoting employment among people with disabilities enables them to contribute to healthcare funding through taxes and access employer-sponsored insurance that may cover preventative services.

3. Government Investment in Preventative Care

Investing in preventative care is financially sound, as it reduces long-term expenses by decreasing the need for costly interventions like hospitalizations.

Societal Benefits of Investing in Preventative Healthcare

Economic Growth

Equalizing the employment rate of people with disabilities could add billions to the economy annually, enhancing productivity and stimulating growth.

Reduced Healthcare Expenditures

An investment of $10 per person per year in community-based prevention programs could save the country over $16 billion annually within five years—a return of $5.60 for every $1 invested.

Enhanced Public Health

Preventative services reduce chronic conditions' prevalence, decrease infectious diseases spread, and promote healthier lifestyles.

Conclusion

The importance of preventative healthcare services for people with disabilities cannot be overstated. By addressing financial barriers and shifting to a proactive healthcare approach, we can improve individual well-being and reap societal benefits. It's imperative for policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities to collaborate on making preventative care accessible and affordable.

Call to Action

To delve deeper into this crucial topic and explore practical solutions, I invite you to read and watch my detailed presentation here:

?? The Importance of Preventative Healthcare Services for People with Disabilities https://www.joshuatberglan.com/the-importance-of-preventative-healthcare-services-for-people-with-disabilities-insights-from-phillip-bramwell)

Let's work together towards a healthier, more inclusive society.