Led by Representatives Moulton (D-MA) and Fitzpatrick (R-PA), 142 House members, endorsed by many of the nation’s largest non-profit organizations, have written Congress requesting that the next COVID-19 legislation include assistance to non-profit organizations. The April 29 letter is here: 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.
Requiring ERISA Employer Health Insurance Plans To Cover Telehealth During COVID-19 Crisis
AAHS has joined the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) asking Congress in the next COVID-19 legislative package to require ERISA employer health insurance plans to include telehealth services. The April 30 MHLG letter is here: PDF. […]
27 US Senators Advocate COVID-19 Funding for Nonprofits and Targeted Appropriations Including ACL Programs
Twenty-seven US Senators, led by Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), have written Senate leaders requesting increases in targeted appropriations, including programs of the Administration for Community Living (ACL), to assist non-profit organizations. 53 non-profits organizations have endorsed the letter. Available here are the April 27 Senate letter and the list of nonprofits. […]
More Effectively Integrating Physical Health and Substance Abuse Disorder Medical Records
AAHD has joined the Partnership To Amend 42 CFR Part 2 requesting HHS for expedited rules to implement a CARES Act (COVID-19 legislation) provision to better integrate physical health and SUD medical records. The April 28 letter is here: PDF. […]
COVID-19- Disability Civil Rights Leaders Call on HHS-CDC-CMS To Collect Disability Data
The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), Task Force on Rights, cochairs, sent the April 27 letter here: PDF. […]
Supporting the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA)
On April 28, the Congressional Tri-Caucus (Black; Hispanic; CAPAC) will introduce the 2020 version of HEAA. AAHD is a supporter of the legislation. Available here are the organizational letter of support, HEAA fact sheet, and HEAA section-by-section analysis. […]
COVID-19: Need More Effective CMS Action To Prevent Nursing Home Residents and Staff
AAHD has joined 45 organizations, led by Justice in Aging and the National Consumer Voice for Quality LTC, asking CMS to take more effective action. The April 28 letter is here: PDF. […]
Medicaid Home-and-Community-Based Services – Legislative Proposal Responding To COVID-19 (S. 3544 and HR 6305)
The Brandeis University Community Living Policy Center has prepared a brief reviewing proposed legislation (S. 3544, Senator Casey-PA, and HR 6305, Rep Dingell-MI) to expand Medicaid HCBS services in response to COVID-19. The policy brief is here: PDF. […]
400+ National Health Organizations Recommend 5 Next Federal Health Legislative Actions Responding to COVID-19
AAHD has joined over 400 organizations, led by Families USA, recommending next federal health legislative responses to COVID-19. The April 23 letter is here: PDF. […]
Federal Subsidy of COBRA Employer Health Insurance Coverage During the COVID-19 Crisis
AAHD has joined the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) requesting Congress to create a financial subsidy fund so persons eligible for COBRA employer health insurance coverage continue such coverage during the COVID-19 crisis. The April 23 MHLG letter is here: PDF. […]