Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare Initiative
THE FIGHT CONTINUES
Earlier this year, Congressman Bob Filner [D-CA] introduced H.R. 6259, The Huntington's Disease Parity Act. If passed, this important legislation will require the Social Security Administration to update their outdated disability listing for HD and also provide a waiver for the 2-year Medicare waiting period to people disabled by HD.
Delays and unnecessary reapplications for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are far too common and you don't have to go far within the HD community to find someone that has struggled or is still struggling to obtain benefits. After they begin receiving benefits, people with HD often face a gap in health coverage due to the Medicare eligibility waiting period, at a time when their medical needs are only increasing.
This is an issue affecting everyone in our community and we've gained a lot of ground this year in bringing about these much needed changes. After Bob Filner introduced the legislation, devoted advocates across our network contacted their Congress Members and were able to rally support in the form of 8 co-sponsors.
Rep. Brian P. Bilbray [CA-50]
Rep. Raul M. Grijalva [AZ-7]
Rep. Christopher S. Murphy [CT-5]
Rep. Jerrold Nadler [NY-8]
Rep. Zoe Lofgren [CA-16]
Rep. Tom Latham [IA-4]
Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney [NY-14]
Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. [NJ-8]
With every co-sponsor we come one step closer to our goal. When the new Congress convenes in early 2009, we'll need to push forward with our efforts of making all of our Congress Members supporters and advocates of HD.
TAKE ACTION!!
Want to learn more? Here are some documents you may find helpful.
A brief overview of the difficulties people with HD face when applying for SSDI and receiving Medicare and our proposed solution. This is meant to prepare you for the visit and some questions your representative may ask you.
The "bare bones" of what you should discuss with you're Representative. These are to prepare you for your visit and, while you may bring them with you, you touch on them in conversation rather than read them.
HDSA's proposed legislation that seeks to update the HD medical criteria used by the SSA to determine eligibility for disability benefits. Also seeks to eliminate the 2-year Medicare waiting period for people once they begin receiving SSDI.