Proposed Policy

What are the Harris-Walz Disability Policies? Good question, nobody seems to know! Rather than be part of the problem, we decided to be part of the solution and propose disability policy for the Harris-Walz Campaign and hopefully the Administration.

Strengthening the ADA and Closing the Gap in Insurance Company Claims Denials for People with Disabilities

Policy Objectives:

1. Amend the ADA to Address Insurance Discrimination.

2. Redefine Medical Necessity Standards for People with Disabilities.

3. Create a National Disability Insurance Claims Oversight Commission (NDICOC).

4. Streamline the Appeals Process.

5. Increase Transparency and Accountability in Insurance Practices.

6. Incentivize Disability-Inclusive Practices.

Executive Summary:

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been a transformative piece of civil rights legislation, yet significant gaps remain in its application, particularly within the healthcare and insurance sectors. Insurance companies frequently deny claims for necessary medical services, treatments, and devices for people with disabilities, exacerbating disparities in healthcare access. These denials often stem from outdated definitions of "medical necessity," discriminatory practices, and complex, burdensome appeals processes.

This policy proposal seeks to close these gaps by amending the ADA to directly address health insurance discrimination, establishing clear definitions of medical necessity inclusive of disability-specific needs, and creating an independent federal oversight commission. It also proposes incentivizing best practices within the insurance industry and streamlining the appeals process. The projected budgetary impact is $600 million annually, with anticipated long-term savings from reduced healthcare disparities and increased workforce participation among people with disabilities.

Problem Statement:

Despite federal and state laws intended to protect people with disabilities, significant challenges remain in the insurance sector. Health insurance claim denials disproportionately impact individuals with disabilities, creating barriers to accessing necessary treatments and devices that are often essential for independent living, workforce participation, and overall quality of life.

Closing Gaps in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through a Financial Safety Net

Policy Objectives:

1. Streamline and Expedite the Application and Appeals Processes.

2. Expand Eligibility for SSDI.

3. Increase SSDI and SSI Benefit Levels.

4. Implement a More Accurate COLA Formula.

5. Create an Emergency Disability Assistance Program (EDAP).

6. Simplify the Review Process for Continued Eligibility.

Executive Summary:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are critical programs designed to provide financial support for individuals with disabilities. However, both programs face significant gaps that leave many people with disabilities vulnerable to financial hardship. Lengthy application processes, strict eligibility requirements, insufficient benefits, and inadequate cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) contribute to the financial insecurity faced by millions of disabled Americans. This policy proposal aims to address these gaps by creating a comprehensive, timely financial safety net through immediate and targeted reforms to SSDI and SSI.

This proposal outlines a series of reforms designed to streamline the application process, increase benefit amounts, adjust eligibility criteria, and provide emergency financial assistance for those waiting for benefits. With a total estimated budget of $120 billion annually, this proposal ensures that individuals with disabilities receive meaningful and timely support to lead dignified, independent lives.

Problem Statement:

Although SSDI and SSI provide essential support for individuals with disabilities, they are insufficient to meet the financial needs of many recipients. The existing system has notable gaps that exacerbate financial instability among people with disabilities, often pushing them into poverty. Some key problems include:

1. Lengthy and Burdensome Application Processes:

2. Stringent Eligibility Criteria:

3. Inadequate Benefit Levels:

4. Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) Lag Behind Inflation:

5. No Interim Financial Support for Waiting Applicants:

Top 100 National Policy Issues for people with disabilities, covering a broad spectrum of challenges and areas where reforms are needed to promote inclusivity, accessibility, and equity

Executive Summary:

This comprehensive policy addresses the top 100 policy issues facing people with disabilities, spanning critical areas such as healthcare, social security, education, employment, housing, transportation, civil rights, emergency preparedness, and more. This policy proposal provides a detailed roadmap for achieving equity, accessibility, and inclusion for people with disabilities in the United States. It includes specific actions, timelines, budget estimates, and a strategic approach to overcoming challenges.

The estimated budget for this proposal is $800 billion over a five-year period. This funding will address both immediate and long-term needs, ensuring that people with disabilities can fully participate in society. The implementation will require coordination among federal agencies, state governments, the private sector, and disability advocacy organizations.

This policy proposal aims to comprehensively address an additional six critical issues for people with disabilities in the U.S.: Cultural Representation, Sports Inclusion, Media Representation, Emergency Preparedness, Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS), and Technology Access. These areas are essential for fostering a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable society. The policy provides specific actions, detailed timelines, challenges, budget estimates, and sources of information to guide federal, state, and local governments in implementing these changes.

The estimated budget for addressing these six policy areas is $150 billion over five years. The proposal includes legislative changes, funding increases, public awareness campaigns, infrastructure improvements, and regulatory enforcement.

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Improve the Lives Affected by Long COVID:
with Investment Approach

Policy Objectives:

1. Ensure equitable access to healthcare and treatment for Long COVID patients.

2. Promote and fund research to better understand and treat Long COVID.

3. Provide financial and labor support to affected individuals.

4. Raise public awareness and reduce stigma associated with Long COVID.

Executive Summary:

The COVID-19 pandemic, while largely mitigated by vaccines and public health interventions, has left a substantial number of individuals with lingering health complications known as Long COVID (Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection or PASC). Long COVID affects millions of Americans, contributing to physical, mental, and socioeconomic hardships. This policy paper proposes a comprehensive federal national strategy to improve the lives of people with Long COVID through coordinated healthcare access, research funding, social support, and labor protections.

Problem Statement:

Long COVID is characterized by a wide array of persistent symptoms, including fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, respiratory issues, and cardiovascular complications, which last for weeks, months, or even years after the acute phase of the infection has resolved. Research indicates that Long COVID disproportionately affects women, racial minorities, and low-income individuals, further exacerbating existing health inequities. The current healthcare system lacks the capacity to adequately address these challenges, and there is a pressing need for policy reforms to support affected individuals.

Framework for Supporting Individuals
with Long COVID

Policy Objectives:

1. Ensure that individuals with Long COVID have access to comprehensive and affordable healthcare.

2. Foster robust research to better understand and treat Long COVID.

3. Strengthen social and financial support systems for affected individuals.

4. Guarantee workplace protections and accommodations for those living with Long COVID.

Executive Summary:

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, a significant percentage of individuals recovering from the virus experience persistent and disabling symptoms known as Long COVID, or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). This condition includes a range of symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive impairment, and organ dysfunction, affecting daily functioning and quality of life. This policy paper outlines a federal response to support these individuals through improved healthcare access, expanded research, enhanced social support, and workplace accommodations. Immediate action is imperative to address the complex needs of millions of Americans enduring Long COVID.

Problem Statement:

Long COVID sufferers often face a debilitating range of symptoms that impair their ability to work, study, and engage in daily life. However, the variability of symptoms and the lack of a standardized treatment protocol complicate efforts to provide effective medical care. Moreover, many affected individuals struggle to access disability benefits, face discrimination in the workplace, and suffer from mental health issues without adequate support.

Framework for Improving the Lives of Individuals with Long COVID

Policy Objectives:

1. Improve access to comprehensive healthcare services for individuals suffering from long COVID.

2. Expand research initiatives to better understand the causes, treatment, and long-term effects of long COVID.

3. Enhance social support systems and financial assistance for individuals unable to work due to long COVID.

4. Ensure workplace protections and accommodations for individuals affected by long COVID.

Executive Summary:

Long COVID, also known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), presents a serious and complex public health challenge affecting millions of Americans. It is characterized by prolonged symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, shortness of breath, and a range of physical and mental health conditions that impair daily functioning and quality of life. This policy paper outlines a comprehensive federal approach to address the needs of individuals with long COVID by improving access to healthcare, expanding research, enhancing social support systems, and providing workplace accommodations. A multi-agency effort will be essential to provide sustainable support and mitigate the long-term effects of this condition on both individuals and the economy.

Problem Statement:

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions of people worldwide, and while many individuals recover from the acute phase of the illness, a significant number continue to experience lingering symptoms. Long COVID affects between 10% and 30% of those who have recovered from COVID-19, translating into millions of affected individuals in the United States alone. The symptoms of long COVID can last for months or even years and can range from mild to severe, significantly impacting the ability to work, attend school, or participate in daily activities.

Despite the growing recognition of long COVID, current healthcare, social support, and employment systems are not adequately equipped to address the needs of individuals suffering from this condition. This has left many individuals without appropriate medical care, social protection, and financial security, exacerbating the long-term socioeconomic impact of the pandemic. A coordinated federal response is essential to address these gaps and improve the quality of life for individuals with long COVID.

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Framework to Improve the Financial Well-being of People with Disabilities

Policy Objectives:

1. Increase economic opportunities for people with disabilities by promoting inclusive education and accessible vocational training.

2. Promote fair employment practices to ensure people with disabilities have equal access to gainful employment opportunities.

3. Improve access to financial services by enhancing the accessibility of banking, credit, and investment services.

4. Strengthen social safety nets to ensure financial security for individuals with disabilities, regardless of employment status.

Executive Summary:

People with disabilities face numerous financial challenges due to systemic barriers that limit access to education, employment, financial services, and economic security programs. This policy paper proposes a national framework aimed at improving the financial well-being of people with disabilities by addressing structural issues and enhancing access to financial resources and support. The paper outlines key recommendations for inclusive education, employment opportunities, accessibility in financial services, and strengthened social safety nets.

Problem Statement:

People with disabilities are more likely to experience poverty than those without disabilities due to barriers in accessing quality education, gainful employment, and comprehensive support systems. These challenges are exacerbated by outdated policies that limit income and asset accumulation, making it difficult for people with disabilities to achieve financial independence.

Enhance Training and Resources for Healthcare Aides in Supporting the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Community

Policy Objectives:

1. Expand specialized training programs for healthcare aides to improve their skills and knowledge in supporting individuals with IDD.

2. Increase access to tailored resources that enhance the care environment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

3. Promote systemic changes that prioritize person-centered care and enhance the overall quality of life for the IDD community.

4. Establish a coordinated federal approach to oversee the implementation of these initiatives and ensure sustainable progress.

Executive Summary:

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face significant challenges in accessing quality care due to a lack of specialized training and resources available to healthcare aides. This policy paper addresses these gaps by proposing a federal initiative aimed at transforming the landscape of care for the IDD community. The framework emphasizes comprehensive training programs for healthcare aides, access to tailored resources, and systemic changes to ensure individuals with IDD thrive in a compassionate and supportive environment.

Problem Statement:

Despite existing federal and state initiatives, the quality of care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities remains inconsistent. Healthcare aides often lack the specialized training needed to effectively support this population, leading to disparities in care quality. Additionally, there are limited resources available to equip aides with tools that promote understanding and person-centered care. Addressing these issues is critical to ensuring that the IDD community receives high-quality, empathetic, and appropriate care.