AAHD has joined the Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid (ITEM) Coalition endorsing HR 8581 and S, 4343. The October 29 ITEM Coalition letters are here: Senate; House. […]
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.
Medicaid Home-and-Community-Based Services – Seeking Continued State Flexibility in Appendix K Waivers During COVID-19
AAHD has joined the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) and Disability and Aging Collaborative (DAC) asking CMS to continue flexibility in Medicaid HCBS policies and payment during COVID-19. The October 23 joint CCD-DAC letter is here: PDF. […]
COVID-19 Vaccine Allocations – Disability Community Statement and CDC Input
AAHD has joined the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) stating principles for the federal government allocation of any COVID-19 vaccine. The principles were shared with the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice. Available here are the CCD principles and letter to CDC . […]
Waive SSI and SSDI COVID-19 Overpayments – S. 4830 and HR 7830
Available here is the October 26 Justice in Aging summary of S. 4830 and HR 7830: PDF. […]
Assistive Technology and Devices – Persons with Limb Loss – S.4343 and HR 8581
AAHD has joined the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Coalition supporting legislation to promote assistive technology and devices for persons with limb loss and limb difference. Available here are the October 16 DRRC letters to the Senate (S 4343) and House (HR 8581) are here: […]
Persons with Disabilities and Mental Illness – and COVID-19 – and Medicaid Congregate Living Facilities
Senate Committee on HELP minority leader Senator Murray and Senators Hassan and Warren have written CMS requesting that COVID-19 data be collected and reported for persons with disabilities and mental illness residing in Medicaid congregate living facilities. Available her are the October 14 letter to CMS and Senators’ press release. […]
Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Annual Open Enrollment – Advocates Guide
AAHD has joined the Medicare Access for Patients Rx (MAPRx) issuing an enrollee guide. The guide is here: PDF. […]
Expanding Access To Telehealth for Medicare Beneficiaries with Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorder
AAHD has joined the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) supporting efforts to strengthen access to telehealth under Medicare, including an emphasis on audio-only devices. The October 5 MHLG letter is here: PDF. […]
Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA) Ready for Senate Introduction
Senator Mazie Hirono (HI) and 8 Senate colleagues have issued a press release stating their efforts at Senate introduction of HEAA. AAHD is a supporter of the HEAA legislation. The official introduction is complicated by the COVID-19 impact on official convening. Senator Hirono’s press release and the list of the 200 + organizational endorsers are […]
Expanding Access To Telehealth for Medicare Beneficiaries with Disabilities
AAHD has joined the Coalition To Preserve Rehabilitation (CPR) supporting efforts to strengthen access to telehealth under Medicare. The October 2 CPR letter is here: PDF. […]