Employment and Disability: Evidence from the 1996 Medical Expenditures Panel Survey

The relationship between employment and disability has gained national attention, as the ability to maintain employment is inconsistent among those with limitations. This cross-sectional study of employment among individuals (N = 1691, age 21-62 years) with self-reported limitations in the 1996 Medical Expenditures Panel Survey seeks to identify predictors of employment despite physical and/or cognitive limitations. Two predictive models of employment including 10 variables are explored; 1 included insurance (χ² = 3856.85, p ≤ 0.00) and the other removed the insurance variable (χ ² = 280.21, p ≤ 0.00). Individuals with limitations who are employed are more likely to have a college-level education, have better physical and mental health perceptions and have private insurance. This analysis demonstrates that people do work despite reported activity, functional or sensory limitations and that socioeconomic factors are crucial in why someone is able to attain employment.