NH ranked 3rd in Medicaid programs for patients with disabilities

According to United Cerebral Palsy, New Hampshire has the third best Medicaid program for Americans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD). 

New Hampshire scored particularly high because almost all individuals with ID/DD receive home and community based services. New Hampshire does not have a large institution for individuals with ID/DD.

A relatively high percentage of individuals with ID/DD - 38% - also work in supported or competitive employment in New Hampshire. The national average is just 22%.

United Cerebral Palsy ranked Arizona overall first in the nation for its Medicaid program for people with ID/DD, followed by Vermont in the second spot. Maine and Massachusetts both ranked in the middle, at 17th and 26th respectively. Mississippi ranked last in the United States.

New Hampshire's services for individuals with ID/DD is not perfect, however. Last year the state closed Lakeview Neurorehabilitation Center in Effingham after an investigation found "systemic" abuse and neglect of patients. 

Lakeview was the last New Hampshire institution available for a small number of patients with ID/DD with particularly severe disabilities. Without an alternative to Lakeview, those individuals may end up in other mental hospitals or the secure psychiatric unit of the state prison.

United Cerebral Palsy used state data from 2014, the newest year available.

According to their website, United Cerebral Palsy "educates, advocates and, provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities." 

Do you think New Hampshire does a good job providing services to individuals with ID/DD? Let us know in the comments.