AAHD has joined the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) endorsing S. 4211 – telehealth in rural communities support. The Sept 22 letter 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.
House Passes Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) Coverage (HR 3935)
The House of Representatives passed on Sept 22 HR 3935 – continuing Medicaid coverage of NEMT. The bill passed unanimously with a voice vote. Passage of HR 3935 was led by Representatives Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Tom Graves (R-GA), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Tony Cardenas (D-CA), the chair and ranking members of the Energy and Commerce Committee […]
Preventing and Reducing Behavioral Health Conditions Among Health Care Professionals (S. 4349; HR 8094)
AAHD has joined the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) endorsing Senate legislation to prevent and reduce behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. MHLG is working on endorsing the House companion legislation. The September 22 MHLG letter is here: PDF. […]
COVID-19 – Follow Science, Not Politics – 80 National Health Organizations
AAHD has joined a coalition of 80 national health organizations led by the Alliance for Aging Research requesting that we follow the science, not politics. The statement is a letter to federal government officials and a Wall Street Journal ad. Available here are the ad and the coalition press release. […]
HHS Proposed Rules Governing Agency Guidance – Disability Community Ideas and Concerns
The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) task forces on LTSS and Health co-chairs have forwarded comments to HHS on the HHS proposed agency guidance documents; the September 21 CCD comments are here: PDF. […]
Calling for Medicare Coverage of Wheelchair – Seat Elevation and Standing Systems
The Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid Coalition (ITEM) has called on CMS to reconsider its decision to “not” cover wheelchair seat elevation and standing systems under Medicare. AAHD is an ITEM Coalition member. Available here are the Sept 15 letter to CMS and the Sept 18 press statement. […]
Congressional Inaction On Medicaid Will Harm Persons with Disabilities and Persons Age 65 and Over
A new national Medicaid advocacy organization has released a statement and infographic – “Congressional Inaction On Medicaid Will Harm Tens of Millions of Americans.” The Modern Medicaid Alliance September 14 statement and infographic are here: statement; infographic. […]
HHS Responds to Disability Community on COVID-19 Provider Relief Fund
HHS has responded to the COVID-19 Provider Relief Fund concerns and questions raised by the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Task Force on LTSS. Available here are the June 5 CCD letter and the September 14 HHS response letter. […]
COVID-19 Research Agenda – Disability Community Recommendations
AAHD has joined the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Coalition (DRRC) recommendations to NIH-HHS-CDC recommending areas for disability specific COVID-19 research. The three September 8 DRRC letters are here: NIH letter; HHS letter; CDC letter. […]
COVID-19 Vaccine Equitable Allocations – Disability Community Comments
In response to the request of the National Academy of Medicine, the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) task forces on health, LTSS, and rights co-chairs submitted comments on COVID-19 vaccine equitable allocations. AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation submitted joint comments endorsing the CCD comments and further emphasizing the COVID-19 data collection, analysis, and public […]