CRS Issue Statement on Disability Benefits (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Jan. 15, 2010 |
| Report Number |
IS40283 |
| Authors |
Scott Szymendera, Coordinator, Analyst in Disability Policy |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
It is likely that any major changes to the nation's healthcare system will affect persons withdisabilities. The Community Living Assistance Services and Support (CLASS) Act, included inboth the House and Senate-passed legislation, would create voluntary long-term care insuranceprogram which would provide benefits to persons with disabilities. However, because of theproposed implementation date of 2014 and the proposed five-year vesting period, the CLASS Actis unlikely to help the current population of persons with disabilities with their long-term careneeds. Proposals to prohibit private medical insurance plans from excluding pre-existingconditions from coverage would benefit persons with disabilities who are often unable topurchase insurance or must pay higher then normal premiums. Greater access to private healthinsurance may remove a major barrier to returning to work and leaving the public disability rollsas persons with disabilities will not have to go without medical coverage if they lose the Medicarethat comes with SSDI or the Medicaid that comes with SSI.
