Four U.S. Senators – Padilla (CA), Smith (MN), Baldwin (WI), and Sanders (VT) – have written the HHS Secretary opposing the dissolution of SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) and asking a number of operational and impact questions. The May 8 Senate 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.
House Committee Proposed “Reconciliation” Medicaid Cuts (2) – Disability and Aging Communities Statement
The Disability and Aging Collaborative (DAC) and Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) task force co-chairs have issued a statement to the entire House of Representatives on the House Energy and Commerce Committee leadership legislation to cut Medicaid benefits, through “Reconciliation.” AAHD is a CCD and DAC member. We earlier posted the legislation and summary. […]
Restoring Medicare Protections for Dialysis (HR 2199 and S. 1173)
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined a variety of health-aging-disability organizations supporting legislation (HR 2199 and S. 1173) that would restore Medicare dialysis for some persons. The separate letters on each bill to the appropriate legislative chambers are here: HR 2199; S.1173. […]
House Committee Proposed “Reconciliation” Medicaid Cuts (2) – Disability and Aging Communities Statement – AAHD
Available here are the May 11 House Committee on Energy and Commerce Health and Medicaid chair’s legislative text and committee ranking Democrat Rep Pallone summary with section-by-section” summary. […]
The Value of Rehabilitation Therapy – To the CMS Administrator
Available here is the AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation joined Coalition To Preserve Rehabilitation (CPR) May 9 letter to the CMS Administrator on the value of rehabilitation therapy: PDF. […]
Clarify Scope of Social Security Administration Identity Verification Proposal
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) Task Force on Social Security seeking clarification of the SSA proposed identity verification proposal. The May 9 CCD letter to SSA is here: PDF. […]
Transparency and Oversight Regarding Science and Health Agency Reduction-in-Force and Reorganization Plans
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined over 75 national organizations, led by the American Psychological Association, asking Congress for transparency and oversight regarding science and health agency RIFs and reorganization plans. The May 8 letter is here: PDF. […]
Protect Medicaid Access to DMEPOS (2)
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined the ITEM (Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid) Coalition asking Congress to protect Medicaid access to DMEPOS (Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies). Posted on our web site May 6 was a similar letter from a smaller collaboration. The May 7 ITEM letter is here: PDF. […]
HUD Appropriations – Disability Community Request to Congress
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) task force on housing request to Congressional appropriations committees on critical housing programs for adults with disabilities – HUD housing vouchers and HUD Section 811 program. The April 30 CCD letter is here: PDF. […]
Protect Medicaid Access to DMEPOS
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined a number of consumer based organizations, facilitated by AA Homecare, asking Congress to protect Medicaid access to DMEPOS (Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies). The May 5 letter is here: PDF. […]