Who they serve

About 200 patients are currently enrolled in the Boston-based Community Medical Alliance’s capitated Medicaid program for the severely disabled, says Mary Glover, RN, CS, NP, MS, vice president and nurse practitioner with Boston’s Community Medical Group, which participates in the capitated program. Cerebral palsy patients comprise 43% of the plan’s total enrollment. Other patient demographics include:

• 39% have spinal cord injuries, both cervical and paraplegia.

• 18% have degenerative neurological disorders.

• 5% require respiratory assistance.

• 67% are male.

• 55% are under 40 years old.

• 80% are under 50 years old.

• 20% are minorities.

In addition, virtually all patients in the capitated plan use wheelchairs, Glover says.