Policy Corner: July 27, 2018

BIAA Pushes for Passage of the ABLE Adjustment Act to Benefit Persons with Brain Injury

As the days wind down for this current legislative session, the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) is working with the Senate Finance Committee members to obtain cosponsor for S. 817, the ABLE Age Adjustment Act. The legislation, which has also been introduced in the House of Representatives, H.R. 1874, will benefit many individuals who are injured after the age of 26 by extending the age of onset of disability to age 46 for eligibility purposes. This would allow more individuals with brain injury to take advantage of this important savings tool.

It has now become a financial imperative to pass the ABLE Age Adjustment Act. There are currently thirty-eight states that have implemented ABLE programs, yet data collected by the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST) shows that the number of ABLE accounts being opened is much lower than anticipated. The long-term sustainability, availability, and affordability of some ABLE programs for individuals with disabilities are in doubt without this expansion of eligibility. Advocates are urged to contact their Representative and Senators to support this legislation and ensure its passage prior to this session ending in December.

Lawmakers Send Bill Reauthorizing Career Education to President

The Senate and the House resolve differences in the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) Act this week and sent the final bill to the president for his signature. The last time the bill was reauthorized was in 2006, when the program changed the focus from vocational training to career and technical education. The bill increases funding so that more students can participate; shifts the authority to local states and community colleges and high schools; and makes sure that employers are at the table to validate the skills that are taught. The CTE program offers the potential for students with disabilities to use high school toward preparation for the workforce by encouraging specific career pathways.

The Administration Reopens Comment Period on Kentucky’s Proposed Medicaid Work Requirements

Although a judge recently threw out Kentucky’s 1115 waiver proposal to require work requirements for certain Medicaid recipients, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced this week that it would reopen a 30-day comment period on Kentucky’s plan. Kentucky’s waiver proposal contained many harmful provisions, including premiums, three types of lock-outs, work requirements, elimination of transportation. The deadline for comments is August 18, 2018, and can be submitted here. CMS has approved Medicaid work requirements in four states: Kentucky, Arkansas, Indiana and New Hampshire. Other states are also pursuing similar requirements.

Senate Confirms VA Secretary

The Senate confirmed Robert Wilkie as the secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) this week. He previously served as undersecretary for personnel and military readiness at the Pentagon. He does not come to the agency with healthcare experience, but with administrative and political experience. The VA is the second-largest federal agency and is involved with reorganization of its private medical care options and a $15.8 billion electronic health records project.

House Members Return Home for August Recess

Members of the House of Representatives are returning home for the August recess. The Senate is planning to continue to work half way through August with several items pending, including appropriations, presidential nominees such as the Supreme Court Justice, and other legislation. As always, when congressional members are in their home districts is an excellent time to meet with them to discuss brain injury issues. With elections looming, they are often out and about at county fairs, picnics, and other public events. You may also schedule an appointment with your representatives by contacting their in-district offices. Click here for materials and information to help with any visits or opportunities you may have to discuss the needs of individuals with brain injury.

BIAA gratefully acknowledges the Centre for Neuro Skills and Avanir Pharmaceuticals for their support for legislative action.