AAHD has joined a No Health without Mental Health (NHMH) led collaborative effort with AAHD-Clinical Social Work Association-Lakeshore Foundation-Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance comments to CMS, emphasizing behavioral health and general health/primary care integration, on Medicare physician payment proposed rules. The September 2 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.
Medicaid, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse – State Medicaid Directors to HHS
Available here is the August 1 National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) letter to HHS on the HHS behavioral health announced strategy: PDF. […]
Proposed New HHS Administration on Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) – Integrating Mental Health and Substance Abuse
AAHD has joined a Kennedy Forum led, Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) letter requesting HHS to integrate MH and SUD into the proposed new ASPR. The August 25 letter is here: PDF. […]
Strengthening Medicare Telehealth Including Behavioral Health (HR 4040)
AAHD has joined an Eating Disorder Coalition led effort through the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) to thank Reps Cheney (WY) and Dingell (MI) for their sponsorship of HR 4040, strengthening Medicare telehealth after COVID flexibilities. The August 18 letter is here: PDF. […]
Supporting Strengthened Behavioral Health Peer Support Services (HR 7666; Section 151)
AAHD has joined a DBSA led effort through the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) to support grants for virtual opportunities of peer support services. The August 8 letter is here: PDF. […]
Inflation Reduction Act – Disability Coalition Leadership Statement
Available here is the August 16 Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) leadership statement on the Inflation Reduction Act. AAHD is a CCD member. (This is our 7th posting on the Inflation Reduction Act.) […]
Inflation Reduction Act – Disability Coalition Co-Chairs
Available here is the August 5 Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) Co-Chairs statement on the previously Senate pending Inflation Reduction Act. AAHD is a CCD member. (This is our 6th posting on the Inflation Reduction Act.) […]
Inflation Reduction Act – Health Care Summary
Available here is the August 15 Health Management Associates summary of the Inflation Reduction Act health care provisions. This is our 5th posting on the Inflation Reduction Act. […]
The Senate Passed Inflation Reduction Act – Leaves Out Home-and-Community-Based Services (HCBS)
Available here is the August 7 The Arc statement of disappointment – HCBS expansion left out of the Senate passed Inflation Reduction Act. Previous AAHD public policy updates Senate Inflation Reduction Act postings: Aug 9 – NHC statement; Aug 9 – ASTHO Summary; and Aug 4 – MAPRX on Medicare Part D prescription medications. The last […]
CMS Releases Medicaid HCBS Quality Measure Set – Analysis (2)
Available here are the August 10 webinar slides of Health Management Associates featuring ADvancing States quality measure experts of the July 21 CMS SMD 22-003 on the HCBS quality measure release. AAHD posted July 26 on this public policy updates page – the complete SMD and 7 areas of AAHD focus. […]