Study: Medical Care Lags for RI Women

In a study examining health disparities among women, researchers using Rhode Island data found that women with disabilities receive less medical care and are more likely to experience adverse birth outcomes than typical women.

The study published in the December issue of Medical Care found that over 10 percent of women with disabilities in Rhode Island had a low birthweight infant, compared with 7 percent among non-disabled women. Meanwhile, over 13 percent of disabled women delivered babies prematurely versus 9 percent of typical women.

Rehabilitative, Habilitative Services and Devices Covered Under Health Law

A little remarked upon requirement in the health law expands treatments for people with cerebral palsy, autism and other developmental disabilities. But some advocates and policy experts are concerned that insurers may find ways to sidestep the new requirement.The health law requires that individual and small group plans sold on or off the health insurance marketplaces cover 10 essential health benefits, including “rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices.”