Healthcare (People with Disabilities)

HB 101 creates a new "Invisible Disability" license plate for Alabama residents diagnosed with specific medical conditions (like autism, PTSD, diabetes, or visual impairments) or their primary caregivers. To qualify, applicants must provide physician documentation, pay regular registration fees plus a $40 annual fee, and meet standard licensing requirements. Proceeds from the $40 fee (minus costs) will fund Kulturecity, Incorporated’s sensory accessibility programs for people with invisible disabilities. The plate is valid for five years and replaces standard or personalized plates. This policy directly affects Alabamians with qualifying conditions and their caregivers, providing a visible identifier while directing funds toward accessibility initiatives.

HB 258 requires timely repair of customized manual or motorized wheelchairs, directly affecting elderly and disabled users who rely on these devices. It mandates that repair providers complete repairs within 10 business days (with specific deadlines for assessment and part ordering), eliminates the need for new prescriptions or prior authorization for repairs from Medicaid or private insurance, and requires Medicaid to cover medically necessary repairs. The bill also forces wheelchair manufacturers to supply parts, tools, and documentation to independent repair shops on the same terms as their own authorized providers, and violations would be treated as deceptive trade practices. These changes aim to reduce repair delays and improve access to essential mobility equipment.