AAHD has joined a 68 organization coalition, led by AARP, endorsing legislation to establish a federal income tax credit for caregivers (HR 3321; S. 1670). Available here are the coalition endorsement letter, an AARP fact sheet; and an AARP infographic. […]
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.
Advocating Behavioral Health Workers Set-Aside in the COVID-19 American Rescue Plan Act Public Health Workforce Funding
Nineteen (19) members of the U.S. House have written HHS advocating that there be a behavioral health worker set-aside in the American Rescue Plan Act public health workforce funding. Several BH national organizations have advocated this. Public Health association response is not known by AAHD. The May 21 19 House members letter is here: PDF. […]
Week of May 25, 2021
Medicaid LTSS: Building Capacity in the Direct Service Workforce April 28 CMS webinar slides made available by the Lewin Group on May 18 Learn more here. Enforceable Accessible Medical Equipment Standards: A Necessary Means To Address the Health Care Needs of People with Mobility Disabilities May 20 National Council on Disability briefing and report Learn […]
Medicare Advantage Plans – Streamline and Standardize “Prior Authorization” (HR 3173)
AAHD has joined the Regulatory Relief Coalition supporting legislation (HR 3173) (Improving Seniors Timely Access To Care Act). The legislation would require MA plans to implement a more timely and transparent “prior authorization” process. Available here is the coalition’s press release, an outline summary of the legislation, and the list of organizational supporters. […]
Funding the CDC Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging Program
AAHD has joined over 50 organizations, led by the Us Against Alzheimer’s, May 18 letter to the Congressional Committees on Appropriations requesting funding for the CDC program. The May 18 letter is here: PDF. […]
Tackling America’s Mental Health and Addiction Crisis Through Primary Care Integration – Priority Recommendations
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined the effort led by No Health Without Mental Health (NHMH) suggesting 14 vital recommendations from the March 53 policy recommendations made by the Bipartisan Policy Center report on behavioral health through primary care integration. Available here are the May 18 NHMH led recommendations to the House leadership and […]
Medicare Payment for Complex Rehabilitation Manual Wheelchair Accessories
The Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid (ITEM) Coalition steering committee has written CMS requesting permanent Medicare payment for certain manual wheelchair accessories. AAHD is an ITEM Coalition member. The May 18 ITEM letter is here: PDF. […]
COVID-19 Vaccine Medicaid Transportation (HR 3013)
AAHD has joined 60 organizations endorsing HR 3013 – COVID-19 Vaccine Medical Transportation Act, clarifying that non-emergency medical transportation to receive a COVID-19 vaccine is a 100% federal Medicaid matching service. The legislation is sponsored by Reps Barragan (CA), Cardenas (CA), Clarke (NY), Ruiz (CA), Blumenauer (OR), Soto (FL), and Delegate Norton (DC). The May […]
Promoting Integrated Medical and Behavioral Health Through Integrated Medical Records
AAHD has joined the Partnership To Amend 42 CFR, part 2, commenting to HHS on HIPAA rules and promoting integrated medical and BH service delivery. The May 6 letter is here: PDF. […]
Implementing High Quality Primary Care: Rebuilding the Foundation of Health Care
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined No Health Without Mental Health led and NACBHDD and NARMH in sharing ideas to the May 4 National Academy of Medicine primary care rebuilding report. Available here are the May 10 five organizations ideas and the May 4 NAM report. […]