U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has introduced new legislation aimed at helping Americans with terminal illnesses receive disability benefits without the standard five-month waiting period. The Immediate Access for the Terminally Ill Act would allow those unable to work due to a terminal diagnosis to access Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits more quickly.
Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) introduced the House version of the bill.
“The current 5-month waiting period for disability benefits keeps terminally ill American workers from actually being able to use them in time,” said Senator Mike Lee. “Americans suffering from debilitating, life-threatening conditions need a better solution. The Immediate Access for the Terminally Ill Act will give workers a pathway to bypass the burdensome waiting period and receive the help they need for end-of-life care in a timely manner.”
“No one diagnosed with a terminal illness should spend their final months tangled in government red tape,” said Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger. “At life’s most difficult moments, families deserve compassion, certainty, and peace of mind. This legislation ensures timely access to earned benefits while remaining fiscally responsible, and I’m proud to work with Senator Mike Lee to make it law.”
The bill has received support from advocacy groups including the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) and Patients Rising.
“We applaud Senator Lee and Representative Harshbarger for their leadership on this important legislation,” said David Camp, Senior Policy Advisor for NOSSCR. “NOSSCR supports all efforts to eliminate or limit the 5-month exclusion period, but this is especially critical for the most vulnerable Americans who suffer from fatal diseases with no known cure and short life expectancies. Because many Social Security claimants die, lose savings or homes, and suffer as they wait for 5 months for their earned disability benefits.” – David Camp, Senior Policy Advisor, National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives
“For patients facing a terminal illness, time is a luxury they do not have. A five-month wait period for disability benefits is a bureaucratic cruelty. We applaud Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger and Senator Mike Lee for standing up for the most vulnerable with the Immediate Access for the Terminally Ill Act. This compassionate legislation empowers patients with the choice to access their earned benefits immediately, providing essential financial dignity and relief from the costs of end-of-life care when families need it most.” – Terry Wilcox, CEO, Patients Rising
Key provisions of the proposed law include giving eligible disabled Americans an option: either access SSDI cash benefits immediately at a seven percent reduction or wait five months to receive full benefits; requiring that future additions to Compassionate Allowances List be recommended by SSA and approved by Congress; raising overpayment collection thresholds; eliminating concurrent receipt of SSDI and unemployment; and projecting $5.6 billion in federal savings over ten years.
Senator Lee represents Utah in Washington D.C., Salt Lake City, St. George, Vernal, and other locations through his offices (official website). He focuses on legislative action regarding health care among other issues such as fiscal responsibility (official website).
