Bill would cut wait times for Social Security disability, Medicare payments

A new proposal would speed up the process for people applying for Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare benefits.

Sen. Andy Kim, D-NJ, introduced the “Stop the Wait Act” this week. The act would phase out the five-month waiting period for SSDI benefits over five years as well do away with the 24-month waiting period for Medicare disability benefits, The Hill reported.

READ MORE: What’s the biggest Social Security check you can get each month? Less than 1% qualify

“It is unacceptable that anyone is forced to wait months or even years for the benefits they worked hard to earn,” Kim said in a statement. “Care cannot be put on hold. That’s why I introduced the Stop the Wait Act to stand up for the disability community and end harmful waiting periods that delay the support they deserve.”

Kim cited Government Accountability Office data showing more than 100,000 people — roughly 1.2% of total disability applicants who filed an appeal — died between fiscal 2008 and 2019 while waiting for a final decision on SSDI benefits, The Hill reported.

SSDI is for adults under full retirement age who have a severe long-term medical condition and have met work thresholds before their disability began. Benefits are generally paid to people who are unable to work for 12 consecutive months or more because of a disability. There is currently a five-month waiting period before benefits begin on the sixth full month after the date the disability began.

READ MORE: Social Security’s maximum benefit set to rise in 2027

SSDI payments continue until the person reaches full retirement age when it converts to regular benefits.

People who qualify for SSDI are also eligible for Medicare before age 65, but must wait 24 months from when they begin receiving disability benefits.

Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here.