AAHD is a Disability and Rehabilitation Research Coalition (DRRC) steering committee member. DRRC has issued a statement of opposition and dismay at recent staffing and operations reductions at the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and its impact on the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). The July 23 DRRC statement is […]
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.
HHS Deregulation RFI – National Health Council Response
AAHD is a National Health Council (NHC) member. In response to the HHS announced deregulation proposals and RFI, the NHC submitted four suggested principles to use when deregulating HHS programs. The July 14 NHC letter is here: PDF. […]
Medicare Access to Orthotics and Prosthetics – HR 4475 and S. 2329
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined NAAOP supporting legislation (HR 4475 and S. 2329) expanding access to Medicare orthotics and prosthetics. The July 17 NAAOP press release is here: PDF. […]
Installing Universal Changing Tables at U.S. Capitol Complex
AAHD has joined the Center for American Progress and Little Lobbyists with nearly 100 other individuals and organizations to advocate for universal changing tables in U.S. Capitol complex buildings. The July 14 letter is here: PDF […]
Medicare Prescription Payment Plan – Advocates Submission on Model Documents
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined the Medicare Access for Patients’ Rx (MAPRx) Coalition submission on Medicare Prescription Payment Plan model documents. The July 14 MAPRx submission is here: PDF. […]
Medicare Coverage of Standing Systems Power Wheelchairs – Advocates Submission to MAHA RFI
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined the Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid (ITEM) Coalition advocating Medicare coverage of standing systems power wheelchairs in response to the HHS Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) RFI. The July 14 ITEM submission is here: PDF. […]
Limb Loss and Paralysis Resource Centers– Advocates Maintain and Appropriations Request
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined the Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid (ITEM) Coalition asking Congress to maintain and fund the formerly Administration for Community Living (ACL) administered limb loss and paralysis resource centers. The HHS reorganization proposal would eliminate these two resource centers, as well as ending ACL. The July 11 […]
Protect the Integrity of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined 104 organizations through the Friends of AHRQ, led by Academy Health, asking the U.S. Congress to protect the integrity of the USPSTF. The July 9 Friends of AHRQ letter is here: PDF. […]
Medicare Advantage (MA) Prior Authorization Transparency (3) – S.1816 and H.R. 3514 – Rehabilitation Community
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined the Coalition To Preserve Rehabilitation (CPR) letter to Congress supporting the Medicare Advantage prior authorization transparency legislation. On May 22 we posted legislation (S. 1816 and HR 3514) to standardize and require transparency in Medicare Advantage prior authorization. On June 10 we posted additional supporters – 50 U.S. […]
AHRQ Healthcare Extension Service (HES)– Advocates Restoration and Appropriations Request
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined 66 organizations, led by Academy Health through the Friends of AHRQ, requesting Congress to continue implementation and funding of AHRQ HES (Healthcare Extension Service) – a program integrating patient-centered outcomes research into healthcare delivery. AHRQ HES was frozen by the HHS reorganization plan. The July 7 coalition letter […]