Legislation to improve Medicare Advantage prior authorization continues to gain Congressional sponsors. Available here are the March Regulatory Relief Coalition toolkit and the list of over 300 organizational supporters, including AAHD. […]
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.
AHRQ (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) – Congressional Appropriations Request
AAHD has joined 135 national organizations through the Friends of AHRQ requesting agency appropriations funding. Available here are the March 16 letters to the House and Senate. […]
Long COVID – Need for a Comprehensive National Plan
AAHD has joined an American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPMR) led coalition calling for a national plan addressing Long COVID. The coalition statement is here: PDF. Available here is the Biden Administration announced March 2 COVID preparedness plan: National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan | The White House […]
Strengthening Benefits for Persons with Disabilities Who Are Dually Eligible for Medicare and Medicaid (2)
AAHD has joined and authored some sections of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) comments to CMS on Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D pharmacy benefits with a focus on the health and wellness of persons dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. The March 7 CCD comments are here: PDF. […]
Medicare Advantage – Prior Authorization and Network Adequacy
AAHD has joined the Coalition To Preserve Rehabilitation (CPR) submitting comments to CMS on proposed Medicare Advantage rules. The CPR comments focus on prior authorization and network adequacy. The March 7 comments are here: PDF. […]
Persons with Co-Occurring Mental Illness-Substance Use Disorder-Chronic Medical Condtions-Disability (Including ID/DD) – Federal Policy Considerations
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation submitted a statement to the Senate Committee on HELP (Health, Education, Labor, Pensions) on persons dealing with co-occurring conditions. The HELP committee is considering SAMHSA and related program reauthorization. The statement shares data points on persons with co-occurring disabilities; shares analysis and white papers; and lists some possible federal policy […]
Strengthening Benefits for Persons with Disabilities Who Are Dually Eligible for Medicare and Medicaid
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have submitted comments to CMS on proposed rules to improve and strengthen both Medicare and Medicaid benefits for persons dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Our March 6 comments are here: PDF.PDF […]
Digital Accessibility Rules Needed Now – Disability Community To Congress and DOJ
AAHD has joined 181 disability organizations requesting the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the United States Congress to develop, issue, and implement rules governing digital accessibility. The effort is led by the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) and 3 national associations for the blind. The February 28 letters are here: PDF. […]
Medicaid HCBS – Extending the COVID Public Health Emergency Spending Deadline
AAHD has joined the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) asking CMS to extend the March 31, 2024 Medicaid home-and-community-based services (HCBS) COVID emergency spending deadline. The February 25 letter is here: PDF. […]
9-8-8 Crisis Response Framework and Lifeline – Legislation Strengthening Implementation
AAHD has joined 56 members of the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) supporting legislation to strengthen the 9-8-8 Crisis Response and Lifeline program, to be launched in July. The February 18 letter to the seven House legislative sponsors, including lead Rep Cardenas (CA), is here: PDF. […]