AAHD has joined the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Task Force on LTSS submitting comments on draft Medicaid HCBS legislation, previously posted on our public policy updates web page on July 20 and June 24. The July 21 CCD comments are 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.
Integrating Substance Use Disorder and General Health Treatment Medical Records
AAHD is a member of the Partnership To Amend 42 CFR Part 2. On July 7, the Partnership wrote the incoming HHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health/SAMHSA Administrator restating our policy proposals. The July 7 letter is here: PDF. […]
Promoting Assistive Devices and Technology Through the CURES 2021 Legislation
The 21st Century Cures Act was enacted in 2016 to accelerate medical products development and innovation. AAHD is a member of the ITEM (Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid) Coalition. Congress is considering 2021 amendments. Available here is the July 16 ITEM letter to lead House sponsors outlining needed assistive devices and technologies, and […]
Risk Adjustment Models for Social and Functional Status Within Health Care Performance Measurement
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have submitted comments to and on the National Quality Forum draft report on risk adjustment. Available here are our July 16 comments and the June 17 draft report. […]
Medicaid Home-and-Community-Based Services (HCBS) in Jobs/Infrastructure Legislative Proposals – Disability Community – (#2)
A follow-up to our June 24 public policy updates posting – Available here are the July 15 Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Task Force on LTSS co-chairs letters to the Congress and White House supporting inclusion of Medicaid HCBS in the infrastructure/jobs legislation: letter to Congress; letter to White House. […]
Working Family Caregivers – Proposed Federal Tax Credit (HR 3321) – Part 2
AAHD has joined an AARP led coalition advocating legislation (HR 3321) that would create a federal income tax credit for workers providing family caregiving. Available here are: July 14 updated coalition letter to the House of Representatives; a letter to Congress from veteran and military family organizations; and a photo for social media purposes. Our […]
Behavioral Health Focused Infrastructure – for Biden/Congressional Infrastructure/Jobs Proposal
The Coalition for Whole Health (CWH) has submitted ideas for the pending infrastructure/jobs proposal. The focus is on initiatives to assist persons with or at risk of behavioral health challenges. AAHD is a CWH member. The July 13 CWH proposal is here: PDF. […]
Medical Nutrition Therapy Under Medicare (HR 3108; S. 1536)
AAHD has joined organizations, led by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, supporting nutritional therapy under Medicare Part B. The July 12 letters to the House and Senate are here: House PDF; Senate PDF. […]
Social Determinants Accelerator Proposed Legislation (HR 2503)
AAHD has joined 100 organizations, led by Aligning for Health, requesting the Congress of the U.S. support for HR 2503 – Social Determinants Accelerator. Available here are the July 6 letter and the legislative text. […]
Medicaid Health Services for Persons Released from Prison and Jail (S. 285)
AAHD has joined a National Association of Counties (NACo) led effort, including many behavioral health organizations, supporting legislation (S. 285) which would authorized Medicaid health services for persons being released from prison and jail (Medicaid Re-entry).The June 30 letter is here: PDF. […]