Welcome
Join us for the start of an exciting movement at the right time for all of us to make a difference in health care – our care, supports and services. It’s time to join the movement for independence, and the ability to choose our own health solutions so that we and the ones we love can age gracefully, and healthfully. Discover why it makes sense from a health care policy standpoint, too.
Issue Spotlight
Health Reform and the Constitutional Challenges
Background
Shortly after President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA)[1] into law, opponents filed a series of legal challenges in federal court, arguing that for various reasons the Act is unconstitutional. Because the cases have the power to potentially disrupt implementation of health reform, this health reform implementation brief provides an overview of these legal challenges, focusing on the major claims they raise, as well as on two cases filed by states. The Brief opens by summarizing the cases and describes the provisions of the U.S. Constitution that form the basis of the claims raised by the plaintiffs. It also reviews the preliminary procedural issues that the courts must address before reaching the merits of the Constitutional claims themselves. The Brief then considers past constitutional cases decided by the United States Supreme Court that bear on the outcome of the plaintiffs’ claims and concludes with a brief discussion of the implementation issues raised by the cases.
News & Events
Weekly News (February 7 - February 11)
New Effort Launched to Help Veterans with Disabilities Live Independently at Home (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Jan. 7, 2011)
There’s a new effort to help veterans stay out of nursing homes and live independently at home.
Group creates lifelong networks for people with disabilities (The Record, Jan. 28, 2011)
There are local organizations that help families build a caring community around a family member with a disability. They meet regularly to discuss any issues and help the family plan for the future.
Feds Reach Americans with Disabilities Act Settlement With H&R Block (Consumer Affairs, Feb. 1, 2011)
The DOJ has reached a settlement with H&R Block. The settlement requires H&R Block to provide sign language for people who can’t hear.
Mayoral election to impact city’s disabled community (ABC News, Feb. 6, 2011)
Twenty percent of people in Chicago have a disability. As the mayoral election draws near, people with disabilities could have an impact.
More disabled travelers complaining about airlines (The Seattle Times, Feb. 4, 2011)
More and more people with disabilities are complaining that airlines are violating their rights.
