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There is a dearth of existing research on the treatment of reproductive cancers among women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This study analyzed the 2010 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample and compared the prevalence of reproductive cancer treatment hospitalization discharges among women with and without IDD. Discharges linked to women with IDD had higher incidences of cancer of the uterus and lower prevalence of cancer of the cervix. Moreover, discharges linked to women with IDD indicated these women were younger, had longer hospital stays, and were more likely to have public insurance coverage. Therefore, further research and targeted interventions to increase cancer prevention and screening are urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Federal income maintenance programs for people with mental retardation in the United States were described. Combined SSI and DI spending in fiscal year 2000 totaled an estimated $20.6 billion for people with mental retardation. This population is particularly vulnerable to the vagaries of changing public policy and are particularly reliant upon public support. The relative importance of income programs in the lives of people with mental retardation is discussed and the changing role of federal social welfare policy with regard to these programs analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trends in family support spending and new programmatic initiatives across the country during the 1990s are summarized. Nationally, total spending for family support exceeded $1 billion in 2000. Between 1990 and 2000, spending for such services in the United States grew from 1.5% to 4% of total resources expended by state MR/DD agencies. However, we found considerable state variability in level of resources allocated to support families providing care to a member with developmental disabilities. Programmatic initiatives include trends toward family-directed services, targeted programs for special populations, such as ethnic minorities and aging caregivers, and the slow expansion of cash subsidies. Recommendations for the future course of policy in this area are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the status of family support services and expenditures in the United States. Trends in family support spending from 1986-1998; Funding for family support services; Government subsidy.