Incentivizing, enforcing and improving disability accessible health care: Current gaps and potential solutions

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Disability Studies
• Healthcare Policy

Background:

• Federal requirements mandate accessible care for patients with disability in healthcare organizations (HCOs).
• Despite mandates, accessible care remains a significant challenge for patients with disability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate stakeholder perspectives on the efficacy of federal requirements for accessible care.
• To identify factors that motivate HCOs to provide accessible care to patients with disability.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving 55 interviews with key informants.
• Interviews conducted between May 2019 and August 2020.
• Data analyzed using content analysis methodology.

Main Results:

• Existing laws are necessary but insufficient for ensuring accessible care.
• Healthcare organizations require education on disability as an equity issue.
• Cost, quality, and competition are key motivators for HCOs to provide accessible care.

Conclusions:

• Federal requirements alone do not guarantee accessible healthcare.
• Education for leadership and alignment with market-based incentives are crucial.
• Diversifying incentives can drive significant improvements in equitable healthcare access.