AAHD has joined the Coalition To Preserve Rehabilitation (CPR) commenting to CMS on proposed Medicare physician and professional fees. The CPR letter supports the expansion of Telehealth, creation of a Medicare fee for evaluation and management, expresses concern for the potential reduction in specialty services for persons with disabilities, and opposes limits placed on “maintenance […]
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 Physician and Professional Fee Schedule – Disability Interests and Concerns
AAHD has joined the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Task Force on Health commenting to CMS on proposed Medicare physician and professional fees. The CCD letter supports the expansion of Telehealth, creation of a Medicare fee for evaluation and management, and expresses concern for the potential reduction in specialty services for persons with disabilities. […]
Senators Introduce Public Health Infrastructure Saves Lives Act
AAHD has joined over 50 national organizations endorsing Senate legislation that would dedicate $4.5 billion funding for a public health infrastructure program. The legislation is sponsored by Senator Murray (WA) and 18 of her Senate colleagues. Available here are the Senator’s press release and legislative summary, which lists the endorsing organizations. […]
Race and Ethnicity Data in Social Security Programs, Including SSI and SSDI
AAHD has joined Social Security and legal advocates asking that the Social Security Administration (SSA) collect and regularly report race and ethnicity data in SSA programs. The October 1 letter is here: PDF. […]
Telehealth Services in Rural Communities (S. 4211)
AAHD has joined the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) endorsing S. 4211 – telehealth in rural communities support. The Sept 22 letter is here: PDF. […]
House Passes Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) Coverage (HR 3935)
The House of Representatives passed on Sept 22 HR 3935 – continuing Medicaid coverage of NEMT. The bill passed unanimously with a voice vote. Passage of HR 3935 was led by Representatives Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Tom Graves (R-GA), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Tony Cardenas (D-CA), the chair and ranking members of the Energy and Commerce Committee […]
Preventing and Reducing Behavioral Health Conditions Among Health Care Professionals (S. 4349; HR 8094)
AAHD has joined the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) endorsing Senate legislation to prevent and reduce behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. MHLG is working on endorsing the House companion legislation. The September 22 MHLG letter is here: PDF. […]
COVID-19 – Follow Science, Not Politics – 80 National Health Organizations
AAHD has joined a coalition of 80 national health organizations led by the Alliance for Aging Research requesting that we follow the science, not politics. The statement is a letter to federal government officials and a Wall Street Journal ad. Available here are the ad and the coalition press release. […]
HHS Proposed Rules Governing Agency Guidance – Disability Community Ideas and Concerns
The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) task forces on LTSS and Health co-chairs have forwarded comments to HHS on the HHS proposed agency guidance documents; the September 21 CCD comments are here: PDF. […]
Calling for Medicare Coverage of Wheelchair – Seat Elevation and Standing Systems
The Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid Coalition (ITEM) has called on CMS to reconsider its decision to “not” cover wheelchair seat elevation and standing systems under Medicare. AAHD is an ITEM Coalition member. Available here are the Sept 15 letter to CMS and the Sept 18 press statement. […]