Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act
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This bill would eliminate waiting periods for Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare for individuals with metastatic breast cancer.
What it does
This bill would eliminate the mandatory waiting periods for individuals with metastatic breast cancer to receive federal disability and health care benefits. Specifically, it proposes to waive the current five-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments and the subsequent 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage. By removing these requirements, the bill aims to expedite access to financial assistance and medical insurance for those whose breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Who is affected
This bill directly affects individuals diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer who are seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and Medicare coverage. It also impacts the Social Security Administration and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, as these agencies would be required to eliminate standard waiting periods for these specific applicants. Additionally, the legislation affects the healthcare providers and facilities that serve this patient population by accelerating their transition to federal insurance coverage.
Key provisions
- Elimination of the Social Security Disability Insurance waiting period. The bill removes the standard five-month waiting period for individuals with metastatic breast cancer to begin receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
- Expedited Medicare coverage eligibility. The legislation waives the 24-month waiting period typically required for SSDI recipients to become eligible for Medicare coverage in cases of metastatic breast cancer.
Fiscal impact
Not applicable: No CBO cost estimate available
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
This bill modifies existing Social Security and Medicare requirements by eliminating the standard five-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and the subsequent 24-month waiting period for Medicare eligibility for individuals with metastatic breast cancer.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to expedite access to financial and medical assistance for individuals with metastatic breast cancer by eliminating the standard five-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and the subsequent 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage.