Tricare recently denied renewal of rehabilitative therapy for a teen with significant disabilities. AAHD has joined the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Task Force on Veterans and Military Families in seeking Congressional resolution of this denial. The May 17 letter is available for download: 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, External Partner Group, Executive Committee; Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities-CCD and serve on the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Task Force; National Health Council; Coalition for Health Funding; Disability Rehabilitation and Research Coaltion; Coalition for Whole Health, Patient Care Primary Care Collaborative; and other colations 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.
Six U.S. Senators Want To Postpone Electronic Health Record Development
May 16, 2013
AAHD has joined the Consumer Partnership for e-Health (CPeH) and other national consumer organizations opposing calls from six U.S. Senators to significantly postpone the implementation of an electronic health record system which focuses on “meaningful use (MU)” MU means using electronic health records to improve the quality and outcomes of health care. The May 16… Read More »»
The Federal Government’s Health Information Technology (HIT) Strategic Plan
May 16, 2013
Available for download is AAHD’s letter to ONC (Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT), endorsing the Consumer Partnership for e-Health (CPeH) comments and inserting disability-specific recommendations.
Reforming Medicaid Through a Per Capita Cap
May 16, 2013
Congressional Republican leaders Rep Fred Upton (R-MI) and Sen Orrin Hatch (R-UT) have proposed a comprehensive reform of Medicaid, including replacing the current grant approach with a Per Capita Cap. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) have released analysis of the impact of a Per Capita Cap. Available for download are the legislative proposal… Read More »»
AAHD – 122 National Organizations Defend Importance of the Prevention and Public Health Fund (PPHF)
May 16, 2013
The May 3 letter to the President, coordinated by the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH), is for download: PDF.
AAHD-Disability Coalition State Problems with Proposed Chained CPI for SSDI
May 16, 2013
Available for download: PDF of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) testimony to the House Committee on Ways and Means – includes AAHD – on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The Administration’s proposed chained CPI does not apply to SSI – Supplemental Security Income.
Keeping Students Safe From Restraint and Seclusion
May 9, 2013
AAHD has joined 48 national organizations and 200 organizations in writing Congress. The letter, and a summary of existing state laws by the Autism National Committee, are available here: Restraint Seclusion letter and Restraint Seclusion State Laws Fact Sheet.
AAHD Advocates National Disability-Specific Technical Assistance Collaborative in ACA Navigator Rules and Programs
May 9, 2013
AAHD has endorsed comments submitted by the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) and National Health Law Program (NHeLP) on proposed rules to implement the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Navigator assistance programs. AAHD also advocated a national disability-specific technical assistance collaborative. AAHD’s comments and CMS submission confirmation of our comments are available for download.
Respite and Other Critical Family Support Program Funding
May 9, 2013
AAHD has joined a coalition, led by the ARCH National Respite Coalition, advocating adequate funding for family support programs. The letter is available here.
Promoting Disability Appropriateness in the Surgeon General’s Call for More Walking and Physical Activity
May 9, 2013
AAHD has endorsed the National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability (NCHPAD) comments to the Surgeon General to encourage greater physical activity, including walking. See letter .