Improving the Health of and Access to Health Care for People With Disabilities: A Position Paper From the American College of Physicians

Annals of Internal Medicine 2026

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Authors: Katelan Cline, Micah Beachy, Priscilla W. Carr, Micah Beachy, Priscilla W. Carr, Lesleigh A. Box, Angela Johnson, Cynthia Jumper, Erica Leser, Tammy Lin, Selvam Joseph Mascarenhas, Celeste Newby
+5 more Austin Oslock, Priya Radhakrishnan, Jenny R. Silberger, Jamar Slocum, John Hall
DOI: 10.7326/annals-25-04524
Cited by: 2
References: 30

Abstract

In the United States, people with disabilities experience disparities in health and health care. Disparities stem from inadequate insurance coverage, physically and culturally inaccessible health care facilities, pervasive harmful misconceptions about disability, and incomprehensive epidemiologic data regarding disability. In this position paper, the American College of Physicians offers recommendations to alleviate health disparities among people with disabilities through policy changes in areas such as health insurance coverage, accessibility of health care facilities, health professional education, research participation, and data collection.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Down syndrome and intellectual disability research Disability Education and Employment Healthcare Policy and Management

Publication details

Journal / source
Annals of Internal Medicine
Publisher
American College of Physicians
Volume
179
Issue
5
Pages
725–727
Publication date
9 March 2026
Language
EN