It would also give states the option to provide disabled individuals with access to personal assistance services and prescription drugs through Medicaid. The legislation would expand the Secretary's authority to approve 1115 waivers seeking to support people with disabilities who want to work by broadening the budget neutrality determination. The bill was referred to the Senate Finance Committee. This article summarizes the major provisions of S. 1858. H.R. 3433 was approved by the House Ways and Means Committee in early May and is expected to be debated by the full House shortly.
States generally perform the disability determination functions for the federal government.
In the thirteenth month of work at substantial gainful activity levels, the individual loses cash benefits. Thirty nine months after a successful TWP, the individual must begin to pay for Medicare Part A and B at the same rate as retired and uninsured Medicare beneficiaries. Supplemental Security Income SSI acts as a means-tested assistance program for the aged, blind, and disabled. Unlike SSDI, benefits are not based on work history. Disabled individuals receiving SSI may earn levels of income which exceed the definition of substantial gainful activity without jeopardizing their eligibility for the program, under 1619 of SSI law.