Bridging Relief in Delayed Government Enrollment for Young-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Act of 2025; BRIDGE for Young-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Act of 2025
Summary
The BRIDGE for Young-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Act of 2025 aims to amend Title II of the Social Security Act. The goal is to eliminate waiting periods for disability insurance benefits and Medicare coverage for individuals diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer's disease. This bill seeks to provide quicker access to crucial support for those affected by this condition.
The bill specifically targets Section 223(a) and Section 226(h) of the Social Security Act. It inserts provisions to include young-onset Alzheimer's alongside amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the waiver of waiting periods for disability benefits and Medicare coverage.
The effective dates for the amendments vary, with disability insurance benefits applying to applications filed 5 months before enactment, and Medicare coverage applying to benefits for months beginning after enactment.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the BRIDGE Act would expedite access to disability insurance benefits and Medicare coverage for individuals with young-onset Alzheimer's. This would alleviate financial and healthcare burdens during the early stages of the disease. It would also align the treatment of young-onset Alzheimer's with that of ALS in terms of benefit accessibility.
This change would likely lead to increased demand on Social Security and Medicare programs. It may also spur further legislative efforts to address the needs of individuals with debilitating diseases.
Potential Benefits
- Expedited Access to Benefits: Individuals with young-onset Alzheimer's would receive disability insurance and Medicare coverage sooner.
- Reduced Financial Burden: Eliminating waiting periods would alleviate financial strain during a challenging time.
- Improved Healthcare Access: Earlier Medicare coverage would ensure timely medical care and treatment.
- Alignment with ALS: The bill would provide similar benefits to those with young-onset Alzheimer's as are provided to those with ALS.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Quicker access to support services could improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Program Costs: Eliminating waiting periods could increase the financial burden on Social Security and Medicare.
- Potential for Fraud: Expedited access might create opportunities for fraudulent claims, requiring stricter oversight.
- Administrative Challenges: Implementing the changes and defining "young-onset Alzheimer's" may pose administrative difficulties.
- Unintended Consequences: The changes could have unforeseen impacts on the overall Social Security system.
- Definition Ambiguity: The definition of "young-onset Alzheimer's" relies on the Commissioner's discretion, potentially leading to inconsistent application.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The BRIDGE Act aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). This clause allows Congress to enact laws that promote the well-being of citizens. The Act addresses healthcare and financial security for a vulnerable population.
Congress has the power to legislate on matters related to Social Security and Medicare under Article I, Section 8. This section grants Congress the power to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare.
The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).