Males and Females
While the New York State population comprises 64% males and 36% 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 (2021)
| Ethnic Category | Percent |
|---|---|
| Asian | 4% |
| Black | 19% |
| Hispanic | 7% |
| Native American | 1% |
| White | 63% |
| Other | 1% |
| Unknown | 4% |
| Total | 100% |
Age Group
Sixty percent (60%) of those served by OPWDD are adults ages 21 to 64; however, this same group represents seventy-six percent (76%) 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 nine percent (9%) of OPWDD Medicaid payments
Table 3. People Receiving OPWDD Medicaid Services By Age Group (2021)*
| Age Groups | People | Payments | % Individual | % Payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 0 to 20 | 42,078 | $713,856,360 | 33% | 9% |
| Age 21 to 64 | 76,224 | $6,084,300,606 | 60% | 76% |
| Age 65+ | 8,937 | $1,230,207,389 | 7% | 15% |
| Total (Unduplicated) | 121,898 | $8,028,364,355 |
*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.