CDC plans to drop disability questions from health survey, sparking concerns of undercounting

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is proposing a redesign of the National Health Interview Survey that would eliminate questions about disabilities. The change is part of a broader effort to update the annual health survey used by the federal government.

Advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities warn the revision will lead to a significant undercount of this population. They note that individuals with these disabilities already experience higher rates of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

Critics argue that without reliable data on disability prevalence and health outcomes, policymakers will lack a trusted source for tracking progress, undermining the health secretary's goal of reducing chronic disease burden.