Health care rights

Doctors, hospitals, and clinics cannot refuse you care or give you worse care because of a disability. They must communicate with you in a way you understand.

This page is general information in plain language. It is not legal advice. For help with your own situation, contact one of the free helpers listed on this page.

Your rights

Equal care. A provider cannot deny treatment, including transplants or surgery, based on assumptions about a disability or quality of life.
Effective communication. Plain language, pictures, written instructions, interpreters, or your communication device.
Reasonable changes. A longer appointment, a quiet room, the first visit of the day, or a support person in the room.
Accessible equipment. Exam tables, scales, and imaging that you can use.
Your choices. As an adult you decide about your own care, with support if you want it. Parents and supporters need your permission to get information.

These rights come from the ADA, Section 504, and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act.

Before a visit

Use the appointment prep tool to write down what you need, then call ahead and ask for it.

Medicaid services

If Medicaid denies, cuts, or stops a service, you have the right to a fair hearing. Ask for it by the deadline on the notice. Ask before the change date if you want services to keep going during the appeal. See Filing a complaint.

Last reviewed: October 2026. Laws, dollar amounts, and program rules change. Check with the agency named on this page before you make a decision.