AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined a First Focus on Children led coalition of 188 organizations requesting Congress to permanently reauthorize the CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) (HR 4771). The November 7 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.
Social Security Programs Serving Persons with Disabilities – Disability Congressional Testimony
The Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) Task Force on Social Security (AAHD is a member) testified October 26 to a subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee on improving Social Security programs. The testimony is here: PDF. […]
Reauthorizing the SUPPORT Act – Substance-Use Disorder and Opioid Prevention and Treatment
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined an ASAM-led thru the Coalition for Whole Health letter to the Senate Committees on Finance and HELP requesting the immediate legislative reauthorization of the SUPPORT Act. The November 2 letter is here: PDF. […]
Modernization of the CDC: ASTHO and NACCHO Submissions
In response to Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D., (LA), Ranking Minority Member, Senate Committee on HELP RFI: available here are the October 20 submissions of state, territorial, city, and county public health agencies – ASTHO and NACCHO. […]
AHRQ – Strategies for Integrating Behavioral Health and Primary Care
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined six national associations, led by No Health without Mental Health (NHMH), submitting comments to the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ) on their draft report for public comment on strategies for integrating behavioral health and primary care. Available here are the September announced AHRQ report and […]
Medicare Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Legislation – As Specified in Care Plans
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined the Coalition To Preserve Rehabilitation (CPR) supporting legislation to clarify that therapies specified in a patient’s care plan (in IRFs) are to be Medicare covered. Available here are the October 26 CPR letter of support, and the October 26 press release of the bill’s sponsors – Representatives Thompson […]
Disaster Relief Medicaid Act (DRMA) – S. 3120 and H.R. 6029
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies supporting legislation (DRMA) to ensure access to Medicaid and CHIP assistance for survivors of major disasters and public health emergencies who have to evacuate across state lines. S. 3120 is co-sponsored by 11 Senators and H.R. 6029 is co-sponsored by 8 U.S. […]
Medicaid HCBS -Emergency Funding– Senate Legislation (S. 3118)
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have endorsed Senator Casey (PA) and 19 Senate co-sponsors introducing legislation to expand funding for the Medicaid HCBS (Home-and-Community-Based Services) program – the HCBS Relief Act (S. 3118). Available here are Senator’s Casey’s one page overview, which includes endorsing organizations, and the legislative text: PDF. […]
Alleviating Barriers for Family Caregivers – Senate Legislation
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined Senators Markey (MA) and Capito (WV) and a coalition led by AARP, supporting legislation to remove barriers to family caregiving. Other Senators co-sponsoring the legislation are Sinema (AZ), Collins (ME), Casey (PA), and Tillis (NC). Legislative text is here: PDF. The Senators Markey-Capito press release listing organizational sponsors […]
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) – Rental Subsidy Disregard
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) comments to the Social Security Administration (SSA) supporting proposed rules to expand the rental subsidy disregard for SSI applicants and recipients. The October 22 CCD letter is here: PDF. […]