Available here are the September 3 Defend Community Integration Coalition statement and September 3 eighteen (18) governors letter to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) reinforcing the importance of community integration regulations for persons with disabilities. […]
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.
9-8-8 Crisis Response Legislation – HR 10280
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined 35 national organizations led by the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) endorsing legislation by Representative Matsui (CA) and 11 cosponsors reauthorizing the 9-8-8 Crisis Response program. Available here is Rep Matsui September 3 press release listing the 11 House co-sponsors and the 35 organizations; and the legislation section-by-section […]
Medicare Home Health Payment Rule and Program Integrity Proposals
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined two coalitions submitting comments to CMS on proposed Medicare Home Health Payment rules. The focus of the comments address possible impacts of program integrity (avoiding waste, fraud, and abuse) proposals. Available here are the August 31 submissions of the Coalition To Preserve Rehabilitation (CPR) and Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid (ITEM) Coalition: The ITEM Coalition comments focused on DMEPOS (Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies) payment. […]
Medicaid Mobile Crisis Services Option – Congressional Reauthorization
AAHD, as a Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) member, has joined a NASMHPD (National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors) led letter to Congress requesting reauthorization of the Medicaid mobile crisis services option. Read the September 1 MHLG letter here. […]
The 340 B Medications Assistance Program: Legislative Reauthorization and Patient Advocacy
The 340 B medications assistance program was established in 1992 – administered by HRSA – federal financial support for access to prescription medications (significant discounts) in qualified health care programs serving underserved populations. FQHCs are the most publicized provider. Qualifying hospitals account for 87% of medication purchases. Contract pharmacies do the medication distribution; dispensing fees […]
Behavioral Health IT Medicaid and Medicare Investment Request
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined the Behavioral Health Information Technology (BH IT) Coalition letter to HHS and ONC requesting CMS CMMI (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation) investment in BH IT. The July 23 letter is here: PDF. […]
Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee – Draft Strategic Plan
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) comments to and on the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee draft strategic plan. The focus of the CCD comments – maintaining the last 13 years structure and process. The August 20 CCD letter is here: PDF. […]
Medicare Remote Monitoring of Chronic Conditions – Ask CMS To Maintain
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined hundreds of organizations led by the Alliance for Connected Care, asking CMS to maintain existing remote monitoring of chronic conditions for Medicare beneficiaries. Read the August 24 Alliance letter here. […]
Medicare Patient Protections and Medications – Coalition to U.S. Senate
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined 86 organizations of the Partnership To Improve Patient Care (PIPC) submitting RFI comments to the Senate Committee on Finance minority on strengthening patient protections, including QALY (Quality Adjusted Life Years) protections and individualized treatment decisions when regulating Medicare drug prices. Read the August 17 PIPC letter. […]
Medicare Lightweight Wheelchair Technology (HR 1730)
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined the Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid (ITEM) Coalition letter to the U.S. Senate supporting House passed legislation (HR 1703) for clinically appropriate Medicare support of lightweight wheelchair technology. Read the August 17 ITEM letter. […]