AAHD has joined a coalition, led by the American Society of Microbiology, thanking HHS for extending the COVID-19 public health emergency. The July 30 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.
Protecting Persons with Disabilities Receiving SSI & SSDI During the COVID-19 Crisis
AAHD has endorsed legislation introduced by the House Committee on Ways and Means to protect recipients of SSI and SSDI from repaying over paid benefits during the first months of the COVID-19 crisis. Available here are the Ways and Means Committee press release and fact sheet. […]
Senate COVID Legislation Misses Aging and Disability Medicaid Provisions
The co-chairs of the Disability and Aging Collaborative (DAC) have again requested the U.S. Senate to include Medicaid and Medicaid home-and-community-based services (HCBS) provisions in the Senate COVID-19 legislation. Available here are the DAC July 28 letter, and the June 15 DAC letter to the Senate. […]
COVID-19: Calling On All Governors – Need Consistent Protocols
AAHD has joined 48 partners, led by the National Safety Council, asking the National Governors Association and each U.S. governor, to develop and use consistent protocols for COVID-19 testing, tracing, and facial coverings. The July 23 letter is here: PDF. […]
Addressing Language and Communication Barriers in Dealing with COVID-19
AAHD has joined a coalition, led by APIAHF, asking Congress to enact programs to overcome language and communications barriers to COVID-19 knowledge, testing, and treatment. The July 23 letter is here: PDF. […]
Medicare Telehealth Expansions Released – Discussion Draft
House Republicans on the House Committee on Ways and Means have released a discussion draft legislation to expand telehealth under Medicare. Available here are the legislative text and the section-by-section summary. […]
Congressional COVID-19 Package – Community Disability Provider Recommendations
Available here is the July 21 community disability providers Congressional COVID-19 recommendations: PDF. […]
Increasing Behavioral Health Financial Investments To Address Systemic Inequities (H. Res. 1057) (Part 2) – integrated Delivery
RE: Previously posted Rep Kennedy H. Res. 1057: AAHD has joined 4 national organizations endorsing proposals by No Health Without Mental Health (NHMH) for a bolder vision and strategy to integrate behavioral health-general health-primary care than currently contained in H. Res. 1057. Page 14, lines 9-10 of H. Res. 1057 states: “mental health and physical […]
Increasing Behavioral Health Financial Investments To Address Systemic Inequities (H. Res. 1057)
AAHD has joined Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) members endorsing a Representative Joe Kennedy (D-MA) and colleagues behavioral health financial investment resolution. Available here is the legislative text of H. Res. 1057 and Rep. Kennedy’s July 21 press release which lists endorsing organizations, including AAHD. […]
Medicare Part D Medications – Need To Lower Out-of-Pocket Obligations – Now
AAHD has joined the Loop Project (Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs), led by the Alliance for Aging Research, asking Congress to lower Medicare Part D medication consumer obligations – now. The July 20 letter is here: PDF. […]