Those with cerebral palsy often have other associated medical conditions, including cognitive challenges, vision loss, hearing impairment, and seizures. The family of an individual with cerebral palsy is likely to incur significant expenses related to the ongoing need for medical care, special education services, developmental assistance, and assisted living.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the percentage of babies who develop cerebral palsy has remained constant over the past 30 years, despite advances in prevention and treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate approximately 8,000 to 10,000 babies will develop cerebral palsy each year.

According to the CDC, among children enrolled in Medicaid in 2005, medical costs were markedly higher for children with cerebral palsy and the costs were highest for children with both cerebral palsy and intellectual disability. The CDC states that the estimated lifetime cost to care for an individual with CP is nearly $1 million. Below are the statistics of the medical cost for children with cerebral palsy, compared to children without cerebral palsy.

• Medical costs for children with cerebral palsy alone were 10 times higher than for children without cerebral palsy or intellectual disability ($16,721 vs. $1,674 in 2005 dollars)
• Medical costs for children with both cerebral palsy and intellectual disability were 26 times higher than for children without cerebral palsy or intellectual disability ($43,338 vs. $1,674 in 2005 dollars)