The Brandeis University Community Living Policy Center has prepared a brief reviewing proposed legislation (S. 3544, Senator Casey-PA, and HR 6305, Rep Dingell-MI) to expand Medicaid HCBS services in response to COVID-19. The policy brief 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.
400+ National Health Organizations Recommend 5 Next Federal Health Legislative Actions Responding to COVID-19
AAHD has joined over 400 organizations, led by Families USA, recommending next federal health legislative responses to COVID-19. The April 23 letter is here: PDF. […]
Federal Subsidy of COBRA Employer Health Insurance Coverage During the COVID-19 Crisis
AAHD has joined the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) requesting Congress to create a financial subsidy fund so persons eligible for COBRA employer health insurance coverage continue such coverage during the COVID-19 crisis. The April 23 MHLG letter is here: PDF. […]
COVID-19 SSDI & VA Payments – Advocating For Flexible Web Portal Deadlines
AAHD has joined the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Task Force on Social Security requesting flexibility in filing applications and data entry for those with SSDI and VA eligibility. The April 21 CCD letter to the Treasury, VA, and Social Security Administration is here: PDF. […]
Social Determinants of Health Improvement – HR 6561
AAHD has endorsed the TFAH led, Rep Nanette Diaz Barragan (D-CA) introduced Social Determinants of Health Improvement legislation. The HR 6561 fact sheet is here: PDF. […]
Expanding COVID-19 Nursing Home Reporting Transparency to All Congregate and Institutional Settings
The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), Task Force on Long-term Services and Supports co-chairs, have written HHS-CMS-CDC asking that the recent announcement for COVID-19 nursing home reporting and transparency be expanded to all congregate and institutional settings. AAHD is an active member of the CCD LTSS task force. The April 21 CCD letter is […]
Integrating Physical Health and Substance Use Treatment Medical Records
AAHD, a member of, has joined the Partnership To Amend 42 CFR Part 2, thanking key Congressional sponsors – Senators Manchin & Capito and Representatives Blumenauer and Mullin – for their sponsorship in the recent CARES COVID-19 law to better integrate physical health and substance use treatment medical records. The 4 thank you letters are […]
COVID-19: Medicaid Funded Disability Providers Request Funds Allocation
Available here is the April 17 letter of Medicaid funded disability service providers to HHS: PDF. […]
Nonprofit Sectors Requests in Next COVID-19 Legislative Package
AAHD has joined 275 national non-profits, led by the National Council of Nonprofits, requesting that the next federal COVID-19 legislative package assist non-profits. The April 8 letter is here: PDF. […]
Social Security Administration Revised COVID-19 Policies and Procedures
The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) task Force on Social Security co-chairs have proposed further SSA policy and procedural changes in response to COVID-19. The April 17 CCD letter is here: PDF. […]