The study shows that after passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the number of adults with disabilities who had private health insurance rose slightly, from about 33.9% in 2013 to 36.6% by 2015. However, in 2015, adults with disabilities were still over four times more likely to receive public insurance (54.7%) than those without disabilities (12.5%). The data also shows that adults with disabilities are more likely to delay or not receive medical care due to cost as compared to adults without disabilities. Working-age adults with disabilities also reported more hospital stays and more office visits than adults without disabilities. This also may result in higher out-of-pocket costs and delayed treatment for adults with disabilities.

This study looked at how much cost affected whether or not people filled their prescriptions. The percentage of all Americans who did not fill a prescription in the previous 12 months because they could not afford it grew from 1999 to 2009 to 8% and then dropped to 5% by 2015. For seniors, however, the number peaked in 2004 at 5% and dropped to 4% after implementation of Medicare Part D in 2006. With implementation of Medicare Part D and the Affordable Care Act, the number of prescriptions unfilled because of cost has declined.

This study looked at data on blood pressure checks, flu shots, and dental visits in a 12 month period. Results showed that adults with physical limitations were more likely to receive a blood pressure check (92% vs. 70%%) or flu shot (40%% vs. 23%) compared to adults with no limitations. However, people with physical limitations were less likely to have a dental check-up (45% vs. 59%) in comparison to those with no limitation. People who had a regular care provider were more likely to receive services.

It is estimated that 25.8 million adults aged 40-65 (26.7%) would be interested in paying for a public insurance program to cover PAS benefits. However, interest in PAS insurance varies by age, race, ethnicity, region, income, disability status, and family experience with ADL assistance. Only 1.8% said they would be willing to pay $100 per month or more for coverage. While more than a quarter of the middle-aged adult population said they were interested in PAS insurance, actual participation would be highly dependent on premium rates. The current lack of publicly subsidized insurance for long-term care and personal assistance services remains a serious gap in the disability service system.