Problem Solvers Endorse ALS Insurance Changes with Widespread Support in House
Today, the Problem Solvers Caucus formally endorsed the H.R. 1407, the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act. The bipartisan bill would waive the five-month Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) waiting period for people with ALS. Due to the more than 40 Members cosponsored on the bill, the Caucus easily acheived endorsement where more than 75 percent of the 50-member caucus agreed to support the bill.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is always fatal. Over the course of the disease, people with ALS lose the ability to initiate and control their muscle movements, leading to total paralysis and death within five years of diagnosis. Due to the debilitating nature of the disease, most people diagnosed with ALS lose their jobs and employer-based insurance during the most challenging periods of their lives. This burden is compounded by the requirement that people with ALS must wait five months before they can receive the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits that they have earned.
Last month the legislation, which was introduced in the House by Problem Solver Brian Fitzpatrick, along with Reps. Moulton, King and Crow, surpassed 290 cosponsors. Under regular order this would qualify the bill for placement on the Consensus Calendar – an instrumental new house rule the Problem Solvers Caucus led the fight for earlier this Congress. With limited legislative days left in the 116th Congress and given the widespread consensus behind the bill, Problem Solvers are insistent that it should be brought to the Floor for swift passage.
"When you're diagnosed with ALS, time is often not on your side. That means we need to be doing everything we can to cut through red-tape so that Americans have access to all the resources they need as soon as possible," said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer. "I'm proud that this endorsement from the Problem Solvers Caucus will help waive the five-month Social Security Disability Insurance waiting period for those with ALS, so they can receive critical benefits when it matters the most."
"We must continue to stand together and care for those struggling with ALS and their families as they battle the debilitating disease," said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Tom Reed. "It is only fair that we eliminate the 5-month SSDI waiting period to ensure everyone with this disease will have to immediate access to the federal resources they need and deserve."
"ALS is a debilitating disease that takes an immense physical, emotional, and financial toll on the afflicted, as well as their friends and family. Because of this, most ALS patients are forced to quit their jobs and have no source of income," said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. "By lifting the five-month waiting period for patients to access their SSDI benefits, we can provide them relief when they need it most, instead of forcing them to wait. As a Co-Chair of the Congressional ALS Caucus, I am proud that the Problem Solvers has endorsed this legislation to continue to deliver real results for the American people."
"As a cosponsor of the ALS Disability Insurance Act, I am glad the Problem Solvers Caucus has endorsed this important legislation," said Congresswoman Elaine Luria. "Time is of the essence for Americans living with ALS, and we must make it easier for them to quickly receive the best possible care. By eliminating the arbitrary five-month waiting period before ALS patients can receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, we can ease the immense burdens on Americans living with this disease and their families."
"ALS is a devastating neurological disease for which there is no known cure or treatment. In addition to its heartbreaking prognosis, the disease often leaves families in financial ruin. Those who are diagnosed with ALS should not have to wait five months to receive the Social Security Disability benefits they are owed. Congress should pass this overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation to waive the five-month waiting period and provide immediate support for those with ALS,"said Congressman Dan Lipinski.
"ALS is a heartbreaking and rapidly degenerative disease that creates countless challenges for those struggling with the disease and their loved ones. ALS patients and their families should not have to cut through endless red tape to access the benefits they have earned," said Congressman Tom O'Halleran. "I'm proud to support this commonsense solution that ensures that those living with ALS can access their disability insurance benefits when it matters most."
The Problem Solvers Caucus is a bipartisan group in Congress comprising 50 members – equally divided between Democrats and Republicans – who are committed to forging bipartisan cooperation on key issues. It is co-chaired by Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY).
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