While most of AAHD’s public policy work is focused on issues by the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD), Disability and Aging Collaborative (DAC), and Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG), and related coalitions, AAHD as a public health organization also works with and closely follows sister public health organizations. Available here are the 2023 legislative […]
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.
Medicaid Non-Emergency Transportation – Dialysis Treatment and Diabetes Related Wound Care
Representatives Carter (GA), Bishop (GA), and Cardenas (CA) have written the HHS Secretary requesting removal of inflexible Medicaid limitations to non-emergency transportation for persons dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid requiring dialysis or diabetes-related wound care treatment. If HHS does not act, the Representatives will re-introduce their legislation from September 2022 (HR 8841). AAHD has […]
Coordinating and Integrating General Health and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Patient Records (2)
On February 2, we posted the Partnership To Amend 42 CFR Part 2 (includes AAHD) comments to HHS on proposed rules to enhance the care coordination and integration of general health and SUD patient records. Available here are the February 14 comments submitted by Senators Manchin (WV), Moore Capito (WV), Merkley (OR), Klobuchar (MN), and […]
Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Medications – Behavioral Health Comments on Proposed Regulations (2)
AAHD and Lakeshore Foundation comments to CMS on Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Medications proposed regulations were posted February 14, Available here are the comments of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness and MHA (Mental Health America). […]
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) – National Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) – Seeking Legislation
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined an ANCOR led coalition of disability, workers, and rights organizations encouraging legislation for the national government to recognize by SOC the role of DSPs. The February 15 letter is here: PDF. […]
Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Medications – Coalition Comments on Proposed Regulations (3)
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation comments on Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Medications proposed regulations were posted February 14. Earlier, February 7, we posted National Council on Aging led coalition comments on Medicare Part D low income assistance. Available are coalition comments that AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have signed – Coalition To Preserve […]
Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Medications – Comments on Proposed Regulations
Available here are the AAHD and Lakeshore Foundation comments submitted February 12 to CMS on Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Medications proposed regulations: PDF. […]
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – Stop the Wait (HR 883)
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have endorsed with numerous national disability organizations – legislation (HR 883) to eliminate the 5 months waiting period after an individual is found eligible for SSDI. Rep Lloyd Doggett (TX) is the lead House sponsor with Rep Brian Fitzpatrick (PA) and Senator Bob Casey (PA) is the lead Senate sponsor. […]
Medicare Part D Medications – Improving the Low Income Assistance Program
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined 70 organizations, led by the National Council on Aging and the PAN Foundation, submitting comments to CMS on improving the Medicare Part D medications low income assistance program. The February 7 coalition letter is here: PDF. […]
House Hearing and Legislation To Prohibit QALYs – Quality Adjusted Life Years Calculations
On February 1, the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Health, conducted a public hearing on prohibiting the use of QALYs in calculating the benefits of health services. The subcommittee hearing details are here: PDF. House Committee on Energy and Commerce Available here are the committee and subcommittee leadership legislative text, posted on the […]