Immediate Access for the Terminally Ill Act
Summary
The "Immediate Access for the Terminally Ill Act" aims to amend Title II of the Social Security Act. It allows individuals with incurable terminal illnesses on the Compassionate Allowance list to receive disability insurance benefits without a waiting period. The bill also prohibits concurrent receipt of disability insurance benefits and unemployment insurance.
Expected Effects
The act will expedite access to disability benefits for terminally ill individuals. It will also introduce a new requirement for congressional approval for additions to the Compassionate Allowance Conditions list. Finally, it will prevent individuals from receiving both disability and unemployment benefits simultaneously.
Potential Benefits
- Expedited access to disability benefits for terminally ill individuals, providing financial support during a critical time.
- Establishes a defined process for the Social Security Administration to publish and update the list of qualifying medical conditions.
- Requires congressional approval for additions to the Compassionate Allowance Conditions list, increasing oversight.
- Prevents dual receipt of disability and unemployment benefits, potentially reducing fraud and abuse.
- Could improve the quality of life for terminally ill individuals by providing quicker access to financial resources.
Potential Disadvantages
- A reduction in benefit amount (7%) for those who elect to receive benefits without a waiting period.
- The prohibition on concurrent receipt of disability and unemployment benefits may negatively impact some individuals.
- The act introduces a new layer of bureaucracy with the requirement for congressional approval for additions to the Compassionate Allowance Conditions list.
- The 5-year average life expectancy requirement may exclude some individuals with serious illnesses.
- Potential administrative burden for the Social Security Administration to implement and manage the new provisions.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). It does not seem to infringe upon any specific individual rights outlined in the Bill of Rights. The bill operates within the powers granted to Congress under Article I, Section 8, which includes the power to lay and collect taxes to provide for the general welfare of the United States.
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).