Health Care Access Affects Attitudes About Health Outcomes and Decisions to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits

Abstract

This article reports on qualitative findings from a mixed methods study that explored the efficacy of providing enhanced health benefits and services to people with chronic health conditions to reduce their application rates to federal disability programs. Comparing an intervention and control group, the study found that those who received enhanced benefits had reduced health decline. To explore reasons for this reduction, authors conducted focus groups with a sample of participants from both groups. Four themes emerged: (a) Due to the effects of their conditions, most participants believed their health would worsen over time; (b) Intervention group members said their health deterioration would be slowed or prevented, while control group members worried about more rapid decline and the future; (c) Intervention group members related their beliefs about continued health to their ability to access care; (d) Control group members were more likely than intervention group members to indicate they applied or were interested in applying for social security disability benefits. These themes suggest that people who believe they have access to quality health care feel their health can and will improve over time. If health care reform leads to the availability of more comprehensive coverage for people with potentially disabling conditions, growth in federal disability programs may slow.

The experience of claiming mental health disability benefits: A qualitative analysis of clients' perspectives

“…It was recognizing the severity of their condition that prompted them to contact the NII. This finding extends findings from a previous study revealing that a problematic chronic condition that does not receive an appropriate and timely response forces individuals to seek help (Chapman et al, 2013). Not exercising the right to submit a claim (for several years and sometimes for decades) was due to respondents' concerns about the process and its consequences, and/or to a lack of knowledge about their rights.…”

“…Studying the process of applying for mental health disability benefits from the perspective of those diagnosed with SMI is important because these individuals are among the most vulnerable, underrepresented and stigmatized members of society (Hinshaw, 2009) and, as such, their voices should be heard (Elran-Barak, 2022). This study is based on the understanding that it is important to give voice to clients' perspectives on the treatments and services they receive (Chapman et al, 2013), as this knowledge is significant and valid (Beresford, 2000;Lister, 2002). Specifically, it is important to hear the voices of those clients diagnosed with SMI and to inform clinicians (e.g.…”

The role of quality of care and attitude towards disability in the relationship between severity of disability and quality of life: findings from a cross-sectional survey among people with physical disability in China

“…On the other hand, studies have shown that the severity of disability may place greater pressure on caregivers which can influence the QOCS [ 24 - 26 ]. Furthermore, Chapman’s study suggests that satisfaction on caring will indirectly affect the health outcome by influencing attitude towards disability [ 27 ]. However, the role of QOCS among severity of disability, attitude and QoL has not been investigated simultaneously before.…”

Asset Building

“…Past research has found that people with disabilities often apply for Social Security disability cash assistance programs such as SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) not for the income support, but for the associated eligibility for Medicare and/or Medicaid coverage (Chapman, Hall, & Moore, 2013); this phenomenon has been described as "health insurance motivated disability enrollment" (HIMDE; Kennedy & Blodgett, 2012). Once such eligibility is attained, beneficiaries may be reluctant to increase earnings and assets and thereby threaten continued health coverage (Levy, Bruen, & Ku, 2013).…”