Individuals with disabilities often have substantial care needs. One of the types of care that many individuals with developmental disabilities find helpful is care from a psychiatrist. Unfortunately, such care can have a high price tag connected to it. This point is underscored by the findings of a recent study.
The study looked at how likely psychiatrists are to accept insurance. In the study, researchers looked at data from a survey of health care professionals.
The study found that psychiatrists are far less likely to take insurance than other physicians. According to the study, in 2010, only around half of psychiatrists took insurance. Meanwhile, the percentage for other physicians was nearly 90 percent.
Thus, many individuals with developmental disabilities may find themselves having to pay significant out-of-pocket costs for care from a psychiatrist.
These statistics raise some questions. Why do psychiatrists have a comparatively low insurance acceptance rate? Could anything be done to change this situation? How does the low insurance acceptance rate of psychiatrists affect the ability of individuals with developmental disabilities to receive care from a psychiatrist?
As this matter underscores, individuals with disabilities can face significant costs in relation to their care needs. Dealing with such high costs can be quite difficult if a person’s disabilities prevent them from being able to hold employment. In such situations, a person may be able to find help through the Social Security Disability program or the Supplemental Security Income program. Individuals who are unable to work due to a disability, such as a developmental disability, may qualify for benefits under these programs.
Source: Disability Scoop, “Raising Access Questions, Many Psychiatrists Demand Cash,” Shaun Heasley, Dec. 17, 2013
