AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined the Partnership To Improve Patient Care (PIPC) and Patients Rising led over 100 patient advocacy organizations supporting legislation to prohibit the use of QALYs in federal programs. We also oppose the House effort to finance the patient protections with reprograming the PPHF (see earlier web posting). Available here […]
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.
Opposing House Proposal to Slash Funding of the Prevention and Public Health Fund (PPHF)
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined a TFAH led, public health community letter opposing a House leadership proposal to slash funding of the Prevention and Public Health Fund (PPHF), to be used as a cost offset for HR 485, a patient protection bill to prohibit the use of QALYs (Quality Adjusted Life Years). AAHD […]
MH/SU Peer Support Specialists – House Legislation Introduced
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined members of the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) supporting legislation recognizing and enhancing the role of peer support specialists. The House sponsors are Reps Salinas (OR) and Mann (KS). We posted the Senate legislation by Senators Kaine (VA) and Braun (IN) on September 7: Recognizing/Elevating the Role of […]
Legislation To Restore Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefit Value
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have endorsed the reintroduction of the SSI Restoration Act, a bill to update the asset and disregard limits and increase benefit amounts and program responsiveness. Available here are: (1)a one page fact sheet; (2) list of 100 endorsing organizations; and (3) social media tool kit. The lead sponsor is Rep […]
New Social Security Commissioner – Disability Transition Issues
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) Task Force on Social Security letter identifying disability issues that should be addressed in transition as the new Social Security Commissioner takes office. The January 18 CCD letter to SSA is here: PDF. […]
ACA Essential Health Benefits (EHBs) – Dental Coverage– Proposed Rules (3)
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) Task Force on Health submitted comments to CMS on proposed Affordable Care Act (ACA) EHB rules, focusing on dental benefits. We previously posted our joining Coalition To Preserve Rehabilitation (CPR) and Habilitation Benefits Coalition (HAB) comments, and, the National Health Council […]
Stand-Alone Telehealth Plans – Exempt From Regulation Including MHPAEA (HR 824) – Oppose
AAHD and Lakeshore Foundation have joined an Eating Disorders Coalition led, through the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG), opposition to HR 824 which would establish stand-alone telehealth plans exempt from insurance regulation, including Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). The January 22 MHLG groups letter is here: PDF. […]
Improving Maternal and Infant Health/Preventing Maternal Death – Legislation (HR 3226 and S. 1573) (HR 3838 and S. 2415)
AAHD and Lakeshore Foundation have joined a March of Dimes led letter with 152 organizations asking Congress to include in their final appropriations legislation the reauthorization of legislation to improve maternal and infant health and prevent maternal death. The January 17 coalition letter is here: PDF. […]
CMS Enhances “Prior Authorization” Safeguards and Transparency in Medicare Advantage and Other Health Plan Rules
AAHD and Lakeshore Foundation are two of 506 organizations who have endorsed legislation, led by the Regulatory Relief Coalition, to require safeguards and transparency to Medicare Advantage health plan “prior authorization” procedures. On January 17, CMS announced final “prior authorization” rules in Medicare Advantage and a variety of Medicaid and CHIP health plans. Available here […]
ACA Essential Health Benefits (EHBs) and Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) – Proposed Rules (2)
AAHD is a member of the National Health Council (NHC), which submitted comments to CMS on proposed Affordable Care Act (ACA) EHB and QHP rules. We previously posted our joining Coalition To Preserve Rehabilitation (CPR) and Habilitation Benefits Coalition (HAB) comments. The January 8 NHC letter is here: PDF. […]