We previously posted the AAHD-Lakeshore Foundation Hearing statement and the committee’s pre-hearing report. Available here are the four in-person witness statements: GAO; Commonwealth Fund; Meadows Institute on integrating services; and University of Washington on integrating services. […]
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.
Behavioral Health Care When Americans Need IT – Senate Committee on Finance Hearing (part one)
On March 30, the Senate Committee on Finance conducted a hearing on behavioral health care. Prior to the hearing, the Committee issued a report – Mental Health Care in the U.S.: The Case for Federal Action. Available here is the AAHD-Lakeshore Foundation statement focused on persons with co-occurring conditions and the need for integrated delivery; […]
CDC Chronic Disease Prevention Center – Advocates Appropriations Request
AAHD has joined an American Heart Association led 64 organization coalition requesting increased funding for the CDC Chronic Disease Center. The March 29 letter is here: PDF. […]
Integrating Behavioral Health-General Health-Primary Care – in Federal Legislation
Five partner national organizations, including AAHD, have joined No Health without Mental Health (NHMH) in sharing thinking and approaches to integrating behavioral health and general health federal legislation. The March 24 statement is here: PDF […]
9-8-8- Crisis Services Enhanced Implementation (HR 7116)
AAHD has joined the Mental Health Liaison Group and 106 organizations endorsing legislation led by Rep Tony Cardenas (CA) to enhance implementation of 9-8-8. The March 17 overview of the legislation and list of endorsing organizations is here: PDF. […]
Access to Dental Surgery for People with Disabilities
AAHD has joined the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Task Force on Health asking CMS to better cover dental surgery for people with disabilities. The March 24 CCD letter is here: PDF. […]
Supplemental Appropriations Funding To Respond To Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic
AAHD has joined the Disability and Aging Collaborative request to Congress to continue funding responses to COVID-19. The March 23 letter is here: PDF. […]
Senate Committee on HELP Hearing on Strengthening Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Programs
On March 23, the Senate Committee on HELP conducted a hearing on MH and SUD programs. Available here are the statements of the SAMHSA and HRSA administrators. […]
Senate Special Committee on Aging Hearing on Home-Based Services
On March 23, the Senate Special Committee on Aging conducted a hearing on home-based services. Available here are the statements of the Bipartisan Policy Center and ATI Advisory. […]
Medicaid Home-and-Community-Based Services (HCBS) – Need Strengthening
AAHD has joined the Disability and Aging Collaborative, Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, and state and local advocates across the nation thanking President Biden for his advocacy of Medicaid HCBS and requesting continued efforts at strengthening. The March 22 letter is here: PDF. […]