Public Policies to Advance the Intellectual and Developmental Disability Sector

Authors

  • Michael Clark
  • Kristen Farry

Keywords:

human services, intellectual disability, medically underserved, healthcare access, Medicaid, public policy, cost efficiency

Abstract

Healthcare access and fiscal sustainability represent two critical priorities for the intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) sector. Three policy approaches offer both improved outcomes and cost savings: passage of the Healthcare Extension and Accessibility for Developmentally Disabled and Underserved Population (HEADs Up Act) to create a medically underserved population designation, a strategic response to federal Medicaid policy changes, and implementation of the PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) model for IDD populations. Demonstrated cost savings of 15-20% through integrated care models provide governments with fiscally responsible approaches to expanding access during a constrained budget environment.

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Published

2025-12-11

How to Cite

Clark, M., & Farry, K. (2025). Public Policies to Advance the Intellectual and Developmental Disability Sector. Social Innovations Journal, 34. Retrieved from https://socialinnovationsjournal.com/index.php/sij/article/view/11303

Issue

Vol. 34 (2025): Innovations and Models of Care in Health and Human Services: Advancing Care, Systems, and Policy for Complex Needs

Section

Policy and Systems for Intellectual, Developmental, and Behavioral Health Populations

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Copyright (c) 2025 Michael Clark, Kristen Farry (Author)

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