Ride For Life: Proposed law will end SSI waiting period for PALS

Copyright 2002 eMediaMillWorks, Inc. (f/k/a Federal Document Clearing House, Inc.) Congressional Press Releases September 17, 2002 Tuesday SECTION: PRESS RELEASE LENGTH: 504 words HEADLINE: CRAPO WANTS SOCIAL SECURITY FLAW CORRECTED BYLINE: MIKE CRAPO, SENATOR DATELINE: Washington, DC, September 17, 2002

Idaho Senator Mike Crapo introduced legislation today to correct a flaw in the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program that forces many Americans with terminal illnesses into poverty during their final days. The measure, the Social Security Act Improvements for the Terminally Ill Act, would waive a mandatory five month waiting period for individuals with terminal illnesses.

The matter first came to Crapo's attention when Idaho constituents began coming to him for assistance with SSDI. Upon learning that it would take longer for individuals to begin receiving SSDI payments than they had been given to live, Crapo determined that the law must be changed to accommodate terminally ill diagnoses.

Although the Social Security Administration had confirmed that the individuals were disabled and eligible for SSDI benefits, it still required the five-month waiting period. Crapo said, "Far too often, I have had terminally ill constituents contact me through my state offices with horror stories about their personal experiences. These people are healthy, hard-working members of our society, and have paid into the Social Security system during their working lives.

Suddenly, they are told by their doctor that they have a terminal illness and that it would be best if they stop working and go on disability as soon as possible to maintain their strength. However, because of the bureaucratic waiting period, before they know it, these people are several months behind in their bills. The provision forces many people to sell off their homes and other assets, while others, unfortunately, do not even live through the full waiting period."

Congress has enacted previous changes regarding waiting periods, including action in 2000, when it waived the 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage for individuals diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease. Crapo said, "The time has now come for Congress to take the appropriate action to relive part of what is already an unthinkable burden on all terminally ill individuals."

The bill has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee for further consideration. Co-sponsors include Senators Evan Bayh (D- Indiana), Arlen Specter (R-Pennsylvania), Zell Miller (D- Georgia), and John McCain (R-Arizona). The measure has also garnered support from the National Association for the Terminally Ill.