United Spinal’s Free Webinar on Health Care Reform For People with Disabilities

NEW YORK, Jan. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association's membership division, National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA), will host a free webinar on January 30^th that provides a detailed overview of health care reform and how it will impact access to health insurance for people living with disabilities.

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Health Care Reform's Impact on People with Disabilities: The Road Ahead­­­­­­--January 30, 20132:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST will focus on health policy basics and essential issues that pertain to wheelchair users and other people living with disabilities found in the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

The free webinar will highlight:

• Pre-existing conditions
• The elimination of certain coverage limits
• Health insurance marketplaces
• State incentives to expand Medicaid coverage.  

Participants will also learn how U.S. health care has changed since the ACA was signed into law in March 2010, and discover ways to be proactive in their home state to get the best health care coverage.

The webinar is hosted in conjunction with the American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD). There will be an opportunity to share questions and comments.

This is the first installment in a four-part Independence Through Advocacy webinar series developed by United Spinal's public policy department.

"This webinar series not only educates people about important federal programs, but guides them on ways they can play a more active role in fixing policies that impact their lives, including their mobility and independence," said Alexandra Bennewith, MPA, United Spinal's vice president of government relations.

"We want people with disabilities to know that their voice matters in the legislative dialogue and that they can make a difference with access to the right tools and outlets," added Bennewith.

Additional webinars will focus on medical equipment and therapy issues under Medicare and Medicaid; access to long-term services and supports and home- and community-based services through Medicaid and other avenues; as well as disability rights and advocacy 101.

United Spinal plans to utilize participant feedback from this webinar series to guide its advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and shape its future public policy priorities.

About United Spinal Association

United Spinal is a national 501(c) (3) nonprofit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post-polio. It played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, and made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Membership is free and is open to all individuals with SCI/D. United Spinal was instrumental in getting New York City to create sidewalk curb ramps and accessible public transportation that has been used as a model for many United States cities.

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Heather L. Ansley

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SOURCE United Spinal Association