FEDERAL ISSUES
Here you will find information on federal activities and programs that affect people with disabilities, including:
News
New group will push lawmakers for drug compounding safety, By Mark Morris, Kansas City Star, June 18, 2013
Supreme Court Lets Regulators Sue Over Generic Drug Deals, By Edward Wyatt, New York Times, June 17, 2013
U.S. Access Board Releases Proposed Guidelines for Passenger Vessels, From the U.S. Access Board, June 13, 2013
High Court Creates a Two-Tiered Medicaid System, By Eric Pianin, The Fiscal Times, June 06, 2013
GOP governors’ endorsements of Medicaid expansion deepen rifts within party, By Sandhya Somashekhar, Washington Post, June 02, 2013
Hagel orders Pentagon to buy new health records system, By Jeremy Herb and Carlo Muñoz, The Hill, May 22, 2013
Senate Confirms Tavenner To Head CMS, By Mary Agnes Carey, Kaiser Health News, May 15, 2013
How some rural areas are being pinched by lack of Medicaid expansion, By Blake Farmer, Marketplace, May 09, 2013
New data reveal puzzling differences in hospital charges, By Tony Pugh and Alan Bavley, Kansas City Star, May 08, 2013
Medicare anti-fraud effort has Missouri roots, By Lindsay Wise, Kansas City Star, May 07, 2013
Harkin Withdraws Hold On Tavenner; Reid Says Timing For Vote Is Unclear, By Mary Agnes Carey, Kaiser Health News, May 07, 2013
Legislation seeks more oversight of pharmacy compounding, By Mark Morris, Kansas City Star, May 05, 2013
Advocates Head To Court To Overturn Medicare Rules For Observation Care, By Susan Jaffe, Kaiser Health News, May 03, 2013
What's Next In The Senate: In The Coming Weeks And After 2014, By Kaiser Health News, April 29, 2013
Translating veterans’ medical skills into nursing careers, From the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), April 29, 2013
HHS would increase rewards for reporting fraud to nearly $10 million, From the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), April 24, 2013
Tom Harkin makes hurdle for Obama’s CMS chief, By Paige Winfield Cunningham and Jennifer Haberkorn, Politico, April 24, 2013
Senate panel backs Obama nominee for Medicare/Medicaid chief, By David Morgan, Reuters, April 23, 2013
Disability Advocates Arrested Outside White House, By Michelle Diament, Disability Scoop, April 22, 2013
Mental health advocacy hits reset, By Joanne Kenen and Paige Winfield Cunningham, Politico, April 21, 2013
Health Insurance Actuaries In the Hot Seat On ‘Rate Shock’, By Jay Hancock, Kaiser Health News, April 18, 2013
President Obama's budget: Impact on health care, By Jennifer Haberkorn and Brett Norman, Politico, April 16, 2013
Five Ways The President's Budget Would Change Medicare, By Mary Agnes Carey, Kaiser Health News, April 15, 2013
Why Obama's Budget Could Make Health Waves, By Julie Rovner, National Public Radio (NPR), April 11, 2013
'Remarkably Friendly' Hearing For Acting Medicare Chief, By Kaiser Health News, April 09, 2013
Eric Cantor could sway GOP for Marilyn Tavenner, By Jennifer Haberkorn, Politico, January 03, 2013
Obamacare becomes GOP weapon in Medicaid battle, By Jason Millman and Kyle Cheney, Politico, April 07, 2013
Boehner rejects Obama cuts-revenue proposal, By Reid J. Epstein and Kevin Robillard, Politico, April 05, 2013
Cuts to cancer clinics put new pressure on Obama administration, By Sam Baker, The Hill, April 04, 2013
Medicare buy-in a budget solution?, By David Rogers, Politico, April 03, 2013
Obama's Plan To Explore The Brain: A 'Most Audacious Project', By Jon Hamilton, National Public Radio (NPR), April 02, 2013
Fact/Fiction: Medicare Drug Rebates Would Kill Drugmakers’ Research and Development Budgets, By Donald Sjoerdsma, The Medicare NewsGroup, April 02, 2013
Confirmation hearing set for top healthcare nominee, By Sam Baker, The Hill, April 02, 2013
Talk of Medicare Changes Could Open Way to Budget Pact, By Jackie Calmes and Robert Pear, New York Times, March 28, 2013
FAQ On The Latest Study: Obamacare's Impact On Insurance Claim Costs, By Jay Hancock, Kaiser Health News, March 21, 2013
Arkansas Medicaid Expansion Attracts Other States' Interest, By Julie Rovner, National Public Radio (NPR), March 26, 2013
Supreme Court urged to ban 'pay for delay' drug settlements, By Benjamin Goad, The Hill, March 25, 2013
Supreme Court Hears 'Pay To Delay' Pharmaceutical Case, By Nina Totenberg, National Public Radio (NPR), March 25, 2013
Medical-Device Tax Repeal Faces Uphill Climb in Senate, By Kristina Peterson and Christopher Weaver, Wall Street Journal, March 22, 2013
Senate Votes Against Key Health-Law Tax, By Kristina Peterson, Wall Street Journal, March 21, 2013
At Health Law Anniversary, Even Bigger Changes Loom, By Kaiser Health News, March 21, 2013
States eye private insurance for Medicaid expansion enrollees, By Tami Luhby @CNNMoney, March 20, 2013
Future Of Disability Rights Enforcement Unclear, By Michelle Diament, Disability Scoop, March 19, 2013
Supporters rally to defense of 'Obama phone' program, By Brendan Sasso, The Hill, March 16, 2013
Obama’s third day of lawmaker lunches focuses on tax, entitlement reform, Posted by Ed O'Keefe, Rosalind S. Helderman and Paul Kane, Post Politics (Washington Post), March 14, 2013
Democrats, Republicans Clash Over Health Care Savings, By Kaiser Health News, March 13, 2013
Health Care Cuts From Vaccinations to Research, By Michael Ollove, Stateline, March 11, 2013
Opening Budget Bids Set Parties' Battle Lines, By Janet Hook And Kristina Peterson, Wall Street Journal, March 10, 2013
Seeking a budget deal, Obama reaches out to Republican rank and file, By Lori Montgomery and Rosalind S. Helderman, Washington Post, March 05, 2013
Republican goal to balance budget could mean deep cuts to health programs, By Lori Montgomery , Washington Post, March 04, 2013
Neither side blinks in federal budget standoff, By Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, January 23, 2013
Veterans waiting longer for help with disability claims, By Chris Adams, McClatchy Newspapers, February 17, 2013
Uphill Road for Plan to Cut Government’s Drug Costs, By Katie Thomas and Robert Pear, New York Times, February 14, 2013
Feds recovered $4.2 billion from anti-fraud efforts, Kelly Kennedy, USA TODAY, February 12, 2013
Obama rules out raising Medicare eligibility age to cut spending, By Roberta Rampton, Reuters, February 11, 2013
Grassley Calls For Senate Consideration Of Tavenner’s Nomination, By Mary Agnes Carey, Kaiser Health News, February 07, 2013
Measure would strengthen mental health-care system, By Brady Dennis and Paul Kane, Washington Post, February 07, 2013
Home Care Aides Await Decision On New Labor Rules, By NPR Staff, February 03, 2013
The quiet liberal plans for entitlement reform, By David Nather, Politico, January 27, 2013
Americans Want Deficit Addressed Without Medicare Cuts, Poll Finds, By Mary Agnes Carey, Kaiser Health News, January 24, 2013
Newtown renews panel’s focus on mental health, By Paige Winfield Cunningham, Politico, January 24, 2013
Medicaid Expansion May Be Key To Restoring State Mental Health Funding, By Michael Ollove, Stateline, January 18, 2013 (reprinted from Kaiser Health News)
Obama calls for changes to mental health care, By Liz Szabo, USA TODAY, January 16, 2013
Voice For Medicare, Medicaid Retiring, By Mary Agnes Carey, Kaiser Health News, January 11, 2012
Health care guide to debt limit battle, By Jennifer Haberkorn and Paige Winfield Cunningham, Politico, January 03, 2013
Counting Health Care Changes In The 'Fiscal Cliff' Deal, By Kaiser Health News, January 02, 2013
Fiscal Cliff Deal Repeals CLASS Act, Creates Long-Term Care Commission, By Howard Gleckman, Forbes, January 01, 2013
'Fiscal cliff' plan clears House with GOP divided, By Lisa Mascaro and Kathleen Hennessey, Los Angeles Times, January 02, 2013
President Obama's dilemma, By Carrie Budoff Brown, Politico, December 21, 2012
Obama’s New Offer on Fiscal Crisis Could Lead to Deal, By Jonathan Weisman, New York Times, December 17, 2012
Fiscal cliff deal still faces many hurdles, By Jake Sherman & John Bresnahan, Politico, December 16, 2012
Democrats Draw Line On Medicaid Cuts, By Julie Rovner, National Public Radio (NPR), December 12, 2012
GAO hits Medicaid on waste, By Jennifer Haberkorn, Politico, December 11, 2012
HHS Tells States It Will Not Fund Partial Medicaid Expansion, By Phil Galewitz and Mary Agnes Carey, Kaiser Health News, December 10, 2012
What Medicaid cuts might look like, By Jason Millman, Politico, December 09, 2012
How The 'Fiscal Cliff' Affects Health Care: Six Questions, By Mary Agnes Carey, Kaiser Health News, December 04, 2012
Justice Dept. recovers record $5 billion under False Claims Act, By Peter Finn, Washington Post, December 04, 2012
Legislation
Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (S. 3406 & H.R. 3195) a bill to restore the intent and protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 became Public Law 110-325 on 9/25/2008.
The Community Choice Act (S. 683 & H.R. 1670): CCA would give individuals who receive Medicaid and who are eligible for nursing home services or other institutional care equal access to community-based services and supports.
The Community Choice Act: A Summary
The Community Choice Act: Talking Points
Some Questions & Answers about the Community Choice Act
Estimating the Expense of a Mandatory Home- and Community-Based Personal Assistance Services Benefit Under Medicaid, University of California San Francisco, by Mitchell P. LaPlante, PhD; H. Stephen Kaye, PhD; Charlene Harrington, PhD
Community First Choice (CFC) Medicaid State Option creates a new home and community-based service within the Medicaid state plan. There would be a 6% enhanced FMAP for states that select the CFC option to encourage them to break new ground and provide new, cost efficient methods of providing Medicaid long term services and supports.
The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act of 2007 (S 697 & H.R.3001) would establish a national long-term care insurance program to be financed by voluntary payroll deductions to provide benefits to adults who become severely functionally impaired. To qualify for benefits, individuals must be 18 years old and have contributed to the program at least 5 years. All working adults will be automatically enrolled in the program, unless they choose not to be.
Empowered at Home Act of 2008 (S 3327) would amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to improve the State plan amendment option for providing home and community-based services under the Medicaid program. The bill would improve the Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) state plan option by giving states more flexibility in determining eligibility and by increasing the services states can offer under the program. This is expected to create greater options for individuals in need of long-term services and supports. In return, states could no longer cap enrollment and services would have to be offered throughout the entire state. The bill also provides spousal impoverishment protections for the HCBS option; tax-related provisions to support caregivers and promote purchase of private long-term care insurance; and grants for states to invest in organizations and systems that can help to ensure a sufficient supply of workers, promote health and ensure more consumer-centered HCBS.
Help America Vote Act of 2002, Public Law 107-252 - HAVA requires state and local governments to make polling places accessible to voters with disabilities, including providing at least one voting system accessible to individuals with disabilities at each polling location, in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation (including privacy and independence) as for other voters.
Fair Home Health Care Act (S. 2061 & H.R. 3582), would require minimum wage and overtime pay protections for workers in the home health care industry.
Testimony regarding H.R. 3582, The Fair Home Health Care Act of 2007, Provided by Mike Oxford, Executive Director, Topeka Independent Living Resource Center
The Medicare Independent Living Act (H.R. 1809) would significantly improve community access for Medicare beneficiaries with mobility impairments by removing a discriminatory restriction that bases the coverage of mobility devices solely on an individual’s mobility needs inside their home.
The National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 (H.R. 2895), would establish dedicated sources of funding for the production, preservation and rehabilitation of 1.5 million affordable homes over the next 10 years. At least 75% of the funds would be for housing for households that are extremely low income, earning less than 30% of an area’s median income.The provisions of this bill were enacted as part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HR 3221).
Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 FAQ
Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007 (H.R.1424) would require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans and prohibit discrimination on the basis of genetic information with respect to health insurance and employment, and for other purposes.
Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Act (H.R. 4247) is a bill that will stop schools from restraining children, confining them in seclusion rooms, and using aversive interventions to harm them.
To contact your U.S. Senators or Representative go to the Congress.org Homepage and type your zip code in the box in the upper left-hand corner of the screen under the words "Write Your Officials". Just click on the arrow and you will be taken to a page with links to contact information for your Congressional delegation.
Advocacy Organizations and Informational Resources
The Access Board or Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board develops minimum guidelines and requirements for standards issued under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), develops accessibility guidelines for telecommunications equipment and customer premises equipment under the Telecommunications Act, provides technical assistance on those guidelines, and enforces the Architectural Barriers Act.
ADA Accessibilty Guidelines (ADAAG), the ADAAG contains scoping and technical requirements for accessibility to buildings and facilities by individuals with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. These scoping and technical requirements are to be applied during the design, construction, and alteration of buildings and facilities covered by titles II and III of the ADA to the extent required by regulations issued by Federal agencies, including the Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation, under the ADA. (printable PDF version)
The ADA Home Page is the definitive source for information and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The ADA National Network provides information, guidance and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), tailored to meet the needs of business, government and individuals at local, regional and national levels. The ADA National Network consists of ten Regional ADA National Network Centers located throughout the United States that provides personalized, local assistance to ensure that the ADA is implemented wherever possible. The Network is not an enforcement or regulatory agency, but a helpful resource supporting the ADA’s mission to “make it possible for everyone with a disability to live a life of freedom and equality.”
ArchiveADA serves as a comprehensive, online archive of documents and history related to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA). Here you can find the text of the law, legislative history, congressional hearings, Supreme Court cases, federal regulations, policy and advocacy documents and additional information related to the passage of the original ADA and the ADAAA.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are the federal agency responsible for administering the Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP (State Children's Health Insurance), HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments), and several other health-related programs.
The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, Disability Rights Section works to achieve equal opportunity for people with disabilities in the United States by implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).The Section also carries out responsibilities under Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Disability.gov is the federal government's one-stop Web site for information of interest to people with disabilities, their families, employers, service providers and many others.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) strives to increase home ownership, support community development and increase access to affordable housing free from discrimination.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the United States government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces federal civil rights laws dealing with employment and provides oversight and coordination of all federal equal employment opportunity regulations, practices, and policies.
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is one of 10 modal administrations within the U.S. Department of Transportation. FTA administers federal funding to support a variety of locally planned, constructed, and operated public transportation systems throughout the U.S., including buses, subways, light rail, commuter rail, streetcars, monorail, passenger ferry boats, inclined railways, and people movers.
The Job Accommodation Network or JAN, is a free consulting service designed to increase the employability of people with disabilities by providing individualized worksite accommodations solutions, providing technical assistance regarding the ADA and other disability related legislation, and educating callers about self-employment options.
Medicare is a health insurance program for people age 65 or older, people under age 65 with certain disabilities, and people of all ages with End-Stage Renal Disease.
Medicaid is a Federal/State entitlement program that pays for medical assistance for certain individuals and families with low incomes and resources.
The Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) understands the many challenges still facing individuals with disabilities and their families. Therefore, OSERS is committed to improving results and outcomes for people with disabilities of all ages. OSERS supports programs that serve millions of children, youth and adults with disabilities.
The Social Security Administration pays retirement, disability and survivors benefits to workers and their families and administer the Supplemental Security Income program. We also issue Social Security numbers. See our Quick Guide to all Social Security services.
THOMAS is your one-stop resource for free access to federal legislative information.
The Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program's Website is dedicated to providing information about veteran benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service to veterans, employers, and the general public.
Publications
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, This official online version of the standards brings together the information on the scoping and technical requirements for new construction and alterations resulting from the adoption of revised 2010 Standards in the final rules for Title II (28 CFR part 35) and Title III (28 CFR part 36) in one easy-to-access location. The webpage also includes guidance on the 2010 Standards from the revised regulations for Titles II and III. This explanatory information from the regulations addresses the scoping and technical provisions of the 2010 Standards.
ADA Update: A Primer for Small Businesses is a new U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division illustrated guide to help small business owners understand the new and updated requirements of the revised Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations that took effect on March 15, 2011.
JAN ADA Hot Links and Document Center links you to nearly every free publication on the ADA that is published by the federal government.
Disability Statistics Compendium, November 2012 (PDF) - The Disability Statistics Compendium is an annual publication of the National Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research containing statistics on people with disabilities and government programs that serve them. The Compendium is designed to serve as a reference guide to government publications which contain additional statistical information on people with disabilities. 2011 Disability Statistics Compendium (PDF)
Medicaid, the Budget, and Deficit Reduction: The Threat Continues by Families USA, August 2011 - This policy paper explains the threat to Medicaid posed by the debt ceiling compromise and urges advocates to speak up about the importance of Medicaid and the dangers of cutting the program.
National Disability Policy: A Progress Report, October 2011 - in this report, the National Council on Disability (NCD) assesses the current state of people with disabilities in America and how emerging trends and government policies are impacting the quality of their lives. The report offers a broad range of recommendations for reforms designed to enhance the independence and self-sufficiency of people with disabilities.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Summary by Kaiser Family Foundation, April 2010 - The summary of the new law, and changes made to the law by subsequent legislation, focuses on provisions to expand coverage, control health care costs, and improve health care delivery system.
Fact sheets on the Revised ADA Regulations Implementing Title II and Title II (These final rules will take effect March 15, 2011):
- Highlights of the Final Rule to Amend the Department of Justice’s Regulation Implementing Title II of the ADA
- Highlights of the Final Rule to Amend the Department of Justice’s Regulation Implementing Title III of the ADA
- Adoption of the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design
Summary of Key Changes in Revised ADA Regulations - The Southeast ADA Center, one of ten regional resources in the DBTAC National Network of ADA Centers, has put together this summary of key changes about the revised and expanded regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that took effect on March 15, 2011.
Voters with Disabilities: More Polling Places Had No Potential Impediments Than in 2000, but Challenges Remain, GAO-09-685, June 2009 - This report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) finds that access for voters with disabilities has improved since the 2000 election, but many problems remain.