AAHD is a Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) member. Available here is the April 7 MHLG board of directors statement on SAMHSA’s vital role. Also, available here is NAMI-MHA-some other MHLG members statement on HHS mental health and substance use staffing cuts: 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.
Medicare Expanded Coverage of Anti-Obesity Medications – Disappointment
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined the Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid (ITEM) Coalition issuing a press release on the HHS and CMS decision to “not” expand Medicare coverage of anti-obesity medications. The proposal would also include Medicaid. The April 9 ITEM statement is here: PDF. […]
NCQA Quality Measures – Disability Priorities
April 9 AAHD and Lakeshore Foundation submitted comments to NCQA (National Committee on Quality Assurance), Consumer Advisory Council (CAC). Available here are the April 9th AAHD-Lakeshore submission, and the NCQA Recommendations to the Trump Administration, including behavioral health integration as a major theme: PDF. […]
Funding the CDC – Advocates Appropriations Request
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined 219 organizations of the CDC Coalition, led by APHA, requesting Congressional Appropriations Committees support for funding levels to target CDC goals, including programs serving persons with disabilities. The April 9 letter is here: PDF. […]
Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder – Recovery Including Peer Support Specialists – Senate Legislation
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) peer support work group supporting legislation by Senators Kaine (VA) and Banks (IN), joined by Senators Baldwin (WI), Murkowski (AK), and Wyden (OR), to strengthen federal government support of MH and SUD recovery and peer support specialists. Available here are the Kaine-Banks […]
House Committee Mark-up of MH and SUD SUPPORT Act Reauthorization (HR 2483)
As a member, AAHD has joined 70 Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) members supporting House Energy and Commerce Committee markup of the reauthorization of the mental health and substance use disorder SUPPORT Act (HR 2483). The April 7 MHLG letter to House members is here: PDF. […]
90 Organizations to Congress – Reject Unprecedented Cuts to Medicaid
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined 90 organizations, led by the Modern Medicaid Alliance, letter to Congress asking that Congress reject unprecedented cuts to Medicaid. The April 3 MMA letter is here: PDF. […]
Protect IDEA – Don’t Dismantle the U.S. Department of Education – 48 National Disability Organizations
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined 48 national disability organizations, led by the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD), Task Force on Education statement to Congress on protecting IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and not dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. The April 4 CCD statement is here: PDF. […]
316 Organizations to the U.S. Senate – Don’t Harm Medicaid
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined a Families USA led, 316 organization letter asking the U.S. Senate to not harm Medicaid. The March 26 letter is here: PDF. […]
Alleviating Administrative Barriers for Caregivers – Medicare and Medicaid – S. 1227
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined a Senator Markey (MA) led effort with Senator Moore Capito (WV) and Representatives Magaziner (RI) and Cammack (FL) legislation to alleviate administrative burdens in Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security faced by caregivers. The Senate bill number is S. 1227; no bill number has yet been assigned in […]