AAHD has joined Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) members supporting FCC requirements of geo-routing of 9-8-8 mental health crisis calls. The June 27 MHLG letter to the FCC is here: PDF. […]
Policy Updates
The American Association on Health and Disability plays an important role in disability policy and advocacy at the national level. AAHD strives to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities receive attention and respect on the national legislative agenda. AAHD is involved in numerous disability coalitions and networks that address the needs of people with disabilities. Please visit the Policy site to learn more about our activities in this area. AAHD staff maintain an active role in Washington, DC to ensure that health promotion and wellness for people with disabilities is on the disability and healthcare agenda. AAHD staff have positions on the APHA, Disability Section, Executive Council; the CDC, NCBDDD, Executive Committee; Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities-CCD and serve on the National Health Council; Coalition for Health Funding; Disability Rehabilitation and Research Coaltion; Coalition for Whole Health, Patient Care Primary Care Collaborative; and other coalitions advocating for policy that works towards reducing health disparities between people with disabilities and the general population and reducing the incidence of secondary conditions in children and adults with disabilities.
NIH-NIMH New Director Search – Advocate Factors for Consideration
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined 10 national organizations, led by No Health without Mental Health (NHMH), asking the NIH/NIMH search committee to consider several factors in their work. The June 25 letter is here: PDF. The NHMH letter is fully consistent with the public policy objectives of AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation: Focus […]
Medicare Coverage of Medically Prescribed Bowel Management Products
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined the ITEM (Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid) Coalition letter to CMS and copying Congressional leaders advocating Medicare coverage of medically prescribed bowel management products. The June 21 letter is here: PDF. […]
Federal Nursing Home Minimum Staffing – Advocates Oppose Legislation Prohibiting Any Staffing Standards
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined a few hundred organizations, led by the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, opposing legislation would which would repeal CMS final regulations and prohibit CMS from ever issuing nursing home staffing standards. Legislation is HR 7513, S. 3410, HJ Res 139, and S J Res 91. The […]
Finalize Mental Health and Substance Use Insurance Parity Rules – Advocates Request
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined 40 members of the MHLG and CWH, led by the Legal Action Center, requesting HHS-DOL-Treasury Dept to finalize – now – Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) final rules. The June 20 letter is here: PDF. […]
Medicare Payment for Chronic Care – Focus on Behavioral Health Integration – Senate Committee on Finance
AAHD, the Lakeshore Foundation and six national organizations have joined No Health without Mental Health submitting comments in response to the Senate Committee on Finance Medicare Payment for Chronic Care white paper and RFI. The NHMH submission with AAHD/Lakeshore/CSWA/ISPN/MHA/PCMMH focus on the integration of behavioral health. Available here are: June 14 coalition submission; May 17 […]
Prior Authorization Transparency in Medicare Advantage (S. S. 4532 and H.R. 8702)
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined 370 organizations endorsing legislation (S. S. 4532 and H.R. 8702)to require prior authorization transparency in Medicare Advantage. Available here are: Lead Senate sponsor Senator Roger Marshall, M.D, June 12 press release; Senate legislation section-by-section summary; list of endorsing organizations (AAHD #33; Lakeshore #140); and Senate legislative text. […]
FDA Considering Ban of Electrical Stimulation Devices as Treatment
AAHD has joined other Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) members, led by ASAN, supporting the FDA proposed ban on electrical stimulation devices in treatment programs. The May 28 CCD letter is here: PDF. […]
Legislative Proposals to Increase Medicaid Access
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined the Disability and Aging Collaborative (DAC) supporting four pending legislative proposals before the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The DAC supports Money Follows the Person; Spousal Impoverishment Protections; modifying institutional level of care in HCBS; and estate recovery protections. The May 22 letter is here: PDF. […]
Long-Term Care Worker Support Act (S. 4120 and HR 7994)
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined the Disability and Aging Collaborative (DAC) supporting the Long-Term Care Worker Support Act (S. 4120 and HR 7994). The May 24 DAC letter is here: PDF. […]