If you have a disability, make sure that you get all the services you need, including routine care and care for your disability. Your plan must provide you with access to the care you need.

When You Apply for Health Insurance

Your employer's health plan cannot charge you more or refuse to cover you if you have a disability. An individual health plan can refuse to insure you based on your health history, but it cannot deny you insurance just because you have a physical or mental disability.

You Have the Right To:

• Accessible and usable medical equipment at a provider's office or facility. For example, you have the right to access weighing scales, exam tables and diagnostic medical equipment such as mammography and MRI.
• Have most physical barriers removed that make it hard for you to use your health care services.
• Extra time for visits if you need it.
• Health information you can use if you are blind, deaf, or have low vision.
• Take your service animal into exam rooms with you.

Getting the Services You Need

• If you disagree with your health plan about what you need, you can file a complaint with your plan.
• You or your doctor can ask for changes in the way services are offered. For example, you may need someone with special training to draw your blood. Your health plan must cover these services if there are medical reasons why you need them.

Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

• DME is medical equipment that can be used again, such as hospital beds and wheelchairs. Health plans do not have to cover most DME. If they do cover DME, they only pay for equipment you medically need, like a wheelchair if you cannot walk or oxygen if you have trouble breathing.
• You may have to pay part of the cost.
• You have to get prior approval from the plan before you get the equipment.
• Before you join a plan, ask if it covers the equipment you need and what the co-pay is.

Resources

In Home Support Services (IHSS)
Helps people with low incomes and disabilities pay for some home health care. To apply, call your county Social Services Department.

AT Network
Information on equipment and assistive technology
1-800-390-2699 (Spanish)
1-800-900-0706 (TTY)
www.atnet.org (Spanish)

California Foundation for Independent Living Centers
Resources for people with disabilities
www.cfilc.org

Disability Rights Advocates
Information on the health care rights of people with disabilities
www.dralegal.org

Disability Rights Legal Center
Legal aid and referrals for people with disabilities, including a Cancer Legal Resource Center, a Learning Rights Project and other resources
www.disabilityrightslegalcenter.org

Family Voices
Health care advocacy for children with disabilities
1-888-835-5669
www.familyvoices.org (Spanish)

Protection & Advocacy
Legal advocacy for people with disabilities
1-800-776-5746 (many languages)
1-800-646-0154 (TTY)
www.pai-ca.org