U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has introduced the Immediate Access for the Terminally Ill Act, a bill designed to let Americans with terminal illnesses bypass the current five-month waiting period before receiving disability benefits. The legislation is intended to help those unable to work due to terminal illness access Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) more quickly for end-of-life care. Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) has introduced a companion bill in the House.
“The current 5-month waiting period for disability benefits keeps terminally ill American workers from actually being able to use them in time,” said Senator Mike Lee.“Americans suffering from debilitating, life-threatening conditions need a better solution. The Immediate Access for the Terminally Ill Act will give workers a pathway to bypass the burdensome waiting period and receive the help they need for end-of-life care in a timely manner.”
“No one diagnosed with a terminal illness should spend their final months tangled in government red tape,” said Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger. “At life’s most difficult moments, families deserve compassion, certainty, and peace of mind. This legislation ensures timely access to earned benefits while remaining fiscally responsible, and I’m proud to work with Senator Mike Lee to make it law.”
The bill is supported by organizations such as the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) and Patients Rising.
“We applaud Senator Lee and Representative Harshbarger for their leadership on this important legislation,” said David Camp, Senior Policy Advisor for NOSSCR. “NOSSCR supports all efforts to eliminate or limit the 5-month exclusion period, but this is especially critical for the most vulnerable Americans who suffer from fatal diseases with no known cure and short life expectancies. Because many Social Security claimants die, lose savings or homes, and suffer as they wait for 5 months for their earned disability benefits.” – David Camp, Senior Policy Advisor, National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives
“For patients facing a terminal illness, time is a luxury they do not have. A five-month wait period for disability benefits is a bureaucratic cruelty. We applaud Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger and Senator Mike Lee for standing up for the most vulnerable with the Immediate Access for the Terminally Ill Act. This compassionate legislation empowers patients with the choice to access their earned benefits immediately, providing essential financial dignity and relief from the costs of end-of-life care when families need it most.” – Terry Wilcox, CEO, Patients Rising
The proposed act would allow eligible disabled Americans diagnosed as terminally ill either immediate access to SSDI cash benefits at a reduced rate or regular full benefit after waiting five months. It also requires future changes to eligibility lists be approved by both Congress and recommended by SSA; raises overpayment collection thresholds; eliminates concurrent receipt of SSDI and unemployment; and aims to save $5.6 billion over ten years.
Senator Mike Lee represents Utah in Washington D.C., where he leads legislative efforts related to health care issues among other priorities (source). He maintains offices across Utah including Salt Lake City, St. George, Vernal as well as Washington D.C., offering constituent services (source). According to his official website, Senator Lee advocates limited government action on public safety and economic matters.
