Proposed legislation would designate people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as a "medically underserved population" creating new incentives to encourage health care providers to treat this population. (Thinkstock)

A recently proposed bill known as the Healthcare Extension and Accessibility for Developmentally Disabled and Underserved Population (HEADs Up) Act, sponsored by Reps. Moulton (D-Mass) and Harper (R-Miss), would classify individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as a “medically underserved population,” qualifying them for increased access to medical and dental care through federal programs. The act would also offer student loan repayment to health professionals specialized in serving this population.