Males and Females
While the New York State population comprises 52% males and 48% females, the proportion of males to females served by OPWDD is consistent with the prevalence of IDD found in the general population.
Ethnicities
A little less than two-thirds (61%) of those served by OPWDD identify as White, followed nearly one-fifth (18%) that identify as Black. Ten percent (10%) identify as either Hispanic (6%), Asian (3%), or Native American (1%). Eleven percent identify as "other" (4%) or "unknown" (7%).
Table 2. People Receiving OPWDD Medicaid Services by Ethnic Category (2020)
| Ethnic Category | Percent |
|---|---|
| Asian | 3% |
| Black | 18% |
| Hispanic | 6% |
| Native American | 1% |
| White | 61% |
| Other | 4% |
| Unknown | 7% |
| Total | 100% |
Age Group
Sixty-one percent (60%) of those served by OPWDD are adults ages 21 to 64; however, this same group represents seventy-eight percent (77%) of OPWDD Medicaid payments (see Table 3 and Figure 4). Conversely, nearly one-third (33%) of those served by OPWDD are children ages 0 to 20; however, this same group represents only eight percent (9%) of OPWDD Medicaid payments
Table 3. People Receiving OPWDD Medicaid Services By Age Group (2020)*
| Age Groups | People | Payments |
|---|---|---|
| Age 0 to 20 | 40,819 | $725,501,653 |
| Age 21 to 64 | 75,431 | $6,418,456,659 |
| Age 65+ | 8,816 | $1,205,003,465 |
| Total (Unduplicated) | 121,898 | $8,348,961,777 |
*The unduplicated total count does not equate to the sum of children, adults, and seniors due to some individuals attaining age 21 or 65 during the course of a calendar year. The total payments include Medicaid, State Plan and FIDA-IDD payments.
