UNITED SPINAL ASSOCIATION for UNITED SPINAL ASSOCIATION
What was lobbied
12 issue areas, each in the filer's own words, with who lobbied on it and where.
Medicare/Medicaid MMM
As a member of ITEM Coalition's Steering Committee, support and advocate for Medicare coverage of seat elevation and standing systems. The ITEM Coalition is engaging in multiple virtual Congressional Hill visits on this issue and has met with the National Council on Disability, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services along with United Spinal advocates. The Coalition submitted comments to CMS urging coverage of these features. As a member of the Coalition to Preserve Rehabilitation Steering Committee, United Spinal supported a Dear Colleague letter, led by Sens. Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO), to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services from CMS to review and delay the implementation of a unified payment system for post-acute care (PAC) under the Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation (IMPACT) Act of 2014. United Spinal submitted comments to the Commission on Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes in favor of increased responsiveness regarding care delivery and maximized quality of life for all residents. United Spinal signed onto a letter opposing H.R. 7059, a bill that would give broad liability protections for nursing homes and other health care providers for the duration of the public health emergency. United Spinal sent letters to Capitol Hill requesting increased funding for the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems - including sending out Congressional action alerts. United Spinal sent letters to Capitol Hill one support of $5 million in funding for the National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS) - including sending out Congressional action alerts. Shared with grassroots a Congressional action alert in support of United Spinals priorities for a fourth federal COVID-19 relief package - including increased HCBS funding. Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2021 Home Health Prospective Payment System Rate Update; Home Health Quality Reporting Requirements; and Home Infusion Therapy Services Requirements As a member of the Personal Connected Health Alliance (PCHAlliance), United Spinal supported written comments in response to the Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2021 Home Health Prospective Payment System Rate Update; Home Health Quality Reporting Requirements; and Home Infusion Therapy Services Requirements Proposed Rule, published in the Federal Register April 6, 2020. PCHAlliance supports the CMS proposal to make permanent the use of technology under the Home Health and the Hospice benefits. Advocated for Congressional sign-ons to a Dear Colleague led by Representatives John Larson (D-CT) and Lee Zeldin (R-NY) which ensures people with disabilities who use complex manual wheelchairs are treated the same as those using complex power wheelchairs regarding coverage of critical manual components, that is competitive bidding pricing should not apply to complex manual wheelchair components such as seating and positioning features. United Spinal urged members of Congress to amend the HEALS Act, because it fails to include any dedicated funding for Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) and because it would roll back portions of the ADA related to civil rights for people with disabilities in employment and in places of public accommodation. As a member of the Coalition to Preserve Rehab - Steering Committee, United Spinal requested that CMS authorize a series of speech language pathology, audiology, and speech generating devices (SGD)-related codes for provision via telehealth during the COVID-19 public health emergency. United Spinal also endorsed a letter to Medicare expanding telehealth services to assist with rehab care as part of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule comments: the proposed cuts to reimbursement across specialties, particularly with regards to the impact for rehabilitation-related services (PT, OT, SLP, physical medicine) and the expansion of telehealth. United Spinal supported Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3107) recently introduced by Reps. Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Ami Bera (D-CA). This bipartisan legislation would help protect patients from unnecessary delays in care by streamlining and standardizing prior authorization under the Medicare Advantage program, providing much-needed oversight and transparency of health insurance for Americas seniors. We urge you to join your colleagues in supporting this important legislation. Physician Fee Schedule - CMS 1743-P Medicare Program United Spinal as a member of the Personal Connected Health Alliance and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) supported comments submitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in response to the Medicare Program; CY 2021 Payment Policies. When our nations COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) declaration ends, the waivers and temporary healthcare standards and policies that have been adopted for Medicare, Medicaid, private payers, and professional licensure will require a transition, rather than a sudden termination, to ensure stability, embed resilience, and develop a modern, value-based, health delivery system. We believe a framework focused on advancing value-based, patient-centered healthcare should guide the phasing down of some waivers and the transition to permanence of others. CY2021 Revisions to Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment Policies; etc. (CMS-1734-P) Personal Connected Health Alliance (PCHAlliance), with United Spinal as a member, signed onto multi-stakeholder comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on the need for the expanded use of connected health technologies in healthcare.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
| TIMOTHY KENT KEYSER | — |
| STEPHEN MICHAEL LIEBERMAN | — |
Telecommunications TEC
Support the Senate's Emergency Broadband Connections Act (EBCA), the companion measure to H.R. 6881, and the emergency broadband provisions of the HEROES Act.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
| TIMOTHY KENT KEYSER | — |
Aviation/Airlines/Airports AVI
Support Healthy Flights Act of 2020 (H.R. 7867).
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
| TIMOTHY KENT KEYSER | — |
Defense DEF
Signed onto a letter to Defense Health Agency urging the reinstatement period for certain TRICARE beneficiaries be extended from 90-days to 12-months.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| KENNETH GREENBERG New | — |
Civil Rights/Civil Liberties CIV
United Spinal Association was saddened and outraged by the events surrounding the death of Michael Hickson, age 46, in Austin, Texas on June 11, 2020. Mr. Hickson, a black man and father of five, was a quadriplegic and had a brain injury due to a sudden cardiac arrest while driving in 2017. United Spinal called on HHS Office for Civil Rights to investigate the death of Mr. Hickson. United Spinal signed a letter to House and Senate leadership asking that they take specific steps to make voting and voter registration processes more accessible. These include emphasizing website accessibility, protecting and expanding in-person and early voting options, requiring multiple accessible voting options, and providing funding to research, create, and test systems to improve access for voters with disabilities. United Spinal engaged with House and Senate officers in conducting a series of ADA30 briefings throughout the summer. Support Coronavirus Language Access Act (S. 4526). Was asked to speak to the Office of Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE). Discussed disability rights issues including transportation issues, autonomous vehicles and Money Follows the Person funding which allows for states to help individuals transition out of institutional care into their communities.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
| STEPHEN MICHAEL LIEBERMAN | — |
Transportation TRA
United Spinal continued discussions around key provisions of H.R. 6248, the Disability Access to Transportation Act (DATA) bill, that were successfully included in the Democratic version of the surface transportation bill, H. R. 2, INVEST in America or Moving Forward Act, that has passed the House. And continues to focus efforts on including similar provisions in the Senate Republican led version S. 2302, Americas Transportation Infrastructure Act of 2019. United Spinal supported a letter from the cochairs of the CCD Transportation Task force for the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration on Federal motor vehicle safety standards and minimal sound requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles - stating disappointment that manufacturers have been unable to implement FMVSS 141. United Spinal submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation's national online dialogue, Feedback on the Accessibility Strategic Plan Framework, to identify best ways to ensure that America's transportation system is accessible to all travelers. Discussed autonomous vehicle priorities with the U.S. Access Board. U.S. Access Board reached out to us to discuss.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
| TIMOTHY KENT KEYSER | — |
Health Issues HCR
As a member of the PCHAlliance, United Spinal joined comments on the Draft Technical Brief titled Automated-Entry Patient-Generated Health Data for Chronic Conditions: The Evidence on Health Outcomes to the Agency for Health Research and Quality. Support H.R. 7663, the Protecting Access to Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Act of 2020. United Spinal provided comments for the National Institutes at Health regarding Research Topics on Disability & COVID as part of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Coalition and discussed with NIH, United Spinal's own priorities regarding access to medical devices and supplies and physical fitness and nutrition. Support legislation to address specialty medicine physician shortages in rural areas - H.R. 5924 would encourage urologists and other specialty medicine providers to practice in rural communities by creating a student loan forgiveness program. The legislation is introduced by Rep. David McKinley (R-WV-1st). National Institutes of Health - COVID-19 Research As a member of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Coalition, United Spinal signed onto a letter to NIH in support for Federal investment into COVID-19 Research on disability, independent living, and rehabilitation. National Institutes of Health - National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (NCMRR) As a member of the Disability Rehabilitation Research Consortium, United Spinal supported a letter the DRRC sent congratulating Dr. Theresa Hayes Cruz on her appointment as the permanent Director of the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (NCMRR) within the National Institutes of Health. Public Health Infrastructure - Congressional Outreach United Spinal endorsed a letter to House Energy and commerce Committee leadership and Senate Health Education, Labor and Pensions leadership urging them to act quickly to modernize public health systems by establishing the network required under 319D of the Public Health Service Act. United Spinal advocacy and policy staff organized SCI Virtual Hill visits with Congressional staffers for the House Appropriations Committee - greater funding for the SCI Model Systems, including restoring them from 14 back to 18 funded Model Systems, and for continued funding for the National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS) at the CDC, including spinal cord injury in the NNCSS, which would allow for a national SCI registry. There is also dialogue on these two important issues with the Senate Appropriations Committee leadership. United Spinal worked with Congress to introduce a National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month resolution and sent out an action alert urging U.S. Senators to cosponsor the National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month resolution, introduced by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
| TIMOTHY KENT KEYSER | — |
| STEPHEN MICHAEL LIEBERMAN | — |
Postal POS
United Spinal signed onto a letter to Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY), organized by the National Coalition for Accessible Voting, of which United Spinal is a member, expressing our concerns over reports of delays in deliveries and reductions in the capacity of the U.S. Postal Service. The letter expresses concerns not only for the implications for the upcoming election, but on the ability of people with disabilities to receive timely delivery of medications, benefit checks, and basic necessities.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| STEPHEN MICHAEL LIEBERMAN | — |
Veterans VET
Received briefing from VA officials in the Office of Connected Care regarding the rollouts of CCN, and the change in Third-Party Administrators. Raised concerns. Participated in White House roundtable and release of the PREVENTS Roadmap, outlining a national level response to ending suicide in the military and veteran population. Meeting with VA VBA to discuss the full digital acceptance and move towards complete automation at the VA, particularly towards complete digitization of all inbound mail, and the discontinuation of fax machines for disability services and claims as of 9 January 2020. Provided comments to VA on the VAs Caregiver expansion program - an intermediary addition of population to the caregiving community that implements a new financial management system (CARMA) and over 1,000 employees to manage the system. Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). Support NDAA priorities with House and Senate. Support Toxic Exposure in the American Military Act of 2020/S. 4393. Provided comments on FCC letter addressing Lifeline expansion in the middle of a pandemic: FCC wanted providers to offer twice the data at half the cost by the end of the year. Per briefing from VA re consolidated pharmacy mailing system that VA. Raised concerns with delivery of prescription drugs during pandemic. Engaged with the DHS CBP Veteran Task Force to outline an educational supplement for their train-the-trainer nationwide peer support group. Discussed VetsFirst as a resource and call center. Support S.785 Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act. Share comments of support with House and Senate. Support H.R. 8247 Veterans Compact Act.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| DANIELLE APPLEGATE | — |
| KENNETH GREENBERG New | — |
Housing HOU
United Spinal signed a statement led by the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities objecting to the Department of Housing and Urban Development finalizing regulations weakening protections against discrimination under the Fair Housing Act and urging the department to reinstate the previous regulations in order to uphold the departments commitment to fair housing and inclusive communities.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| STEPHEN MICHAEL LIEBERMAN | — |
District of Columbia DOC
District of Columbia Homeland Security Emergency Management Agency - Emergency Management United Spinal and DC CIL litigation against the District. United Spinal advocacy and policy staff participate in bi-weekly calls with DC HSEMA and DC Office of Disability Rights on DCs COVID-19 response. DCHSEMA has requested a 2nd delay in starting the litigation deliverables again (1st delay requested due to COVID-19 pandemic).
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
| STEPHEN MICHAEL LIEBERMAN New | — |
Insurance INS
As a member of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Social Security Task Force, United Spinal supported a letter sent to Congressional leadership in response to proposals to include a payroll tax cut in the next COVID-19 relief package that would reduce contributions to the Social Security Trust Funds. Cutting payroll contributions does little to help low-wage essential workers, who pay a proportionate amount of payroll contributions to their low-wages. Also endorsed a similar statement. United Spinal supports a Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities statement which opposes a legislative proposal in the Presidents FY21 budget that would reduce Social Security benefits. The Presidents FY21 budget includes a legislative proposal that would change the minimum from $10 to 10% of the Social Security benefit. As a member of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Social Security Task Force, United Spinal, along with numerous other organizations, wrote to congressional leadership in response to a recent change made by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to restart Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) in the middle of this global pandemic. United Spinal filed a complaint with the D.C. U.S. District Court against the Social Security Administration for the alleged unlawful wet ink signature requirements imposed on persons with disabilities in connection with applications for certain disability benefits of the Social Security Administration (SSA). We believe the requirements interfere with the ability to pursue rights to federal disability benefits, making a cumbersome application process even more difficult. US Department of Transportation (DOT) - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Automated Vehicle Transparency and Engagement for Safe Testing (TEST) United Spinal submitted comments suggesting the centralized database of the AV TEST Initiative from ADS developers and local authorities be elevated to the DOTs Office of the Secretary, that accessibility and inclusion criteria be included, that information submissions be required not voluntary. United Spinal signed onto comments We acknowledge USDOTs stated commitment to improving access and mobility for people with disabilities and older adults in AV 3.0 and AV 4.0, and during the Departments recent celebration in honor of the ADAs 30th Anniversary. We urge NHTSA to prioritize access and safety for all passengers and road users. Including requirements to ensure accessibility and engage with the disability and other underserved communities would be a reminder to all stakeholders of USDOTs commitment to uphold the promise of greater mobility and safety for all.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
| TIMOTHY KENT KEYSER | — |
Shown as published by the Senate Office of Public Records and the House Clerk under the Lobbying Disclosure Act. The official filing is the record; open it for the full form.