H.R.1389 - Marriage Equality for Disabled Adults Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1389, the "Marriage Equality for Disabled Adults Act," aims to eliminate marriage restrictions for disabled adult children under the Social Security Act. It amends sections of the Act to ensure that disabled adult children do not lose benefits, such as Social Security and Medicaid, due to marriage. The bill also modifies rules for determining marital relationships and addresses income and resource deeming rules to protect benefits.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to allow disabled adult children to marry without losing essential government benefits. This would provide them with the same rights and dignity as other adults. It would also simplify the process for determining eligibility for benefits, reducing administrative burdens.
Potential Benefits
- Allows disabled adult children to marry without losing Social Security and Medicaid benefits.
- Promotes equality and dignity for disabled individuals by removing marriage restrictions.
- Simplifies the determination of marital relationships for benefit eligibility.
- Ensures continued Medicaid eligibility for certain married individuals who would otherwise be eligible if unmarried.
- Aligns Social Security Act with principles of equality and non-discrimination.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in government spending due to expanded eligibility for benefits.
- Possible administrative complexities in implementing the new rules and coordinating with state Medicaid programs.
- Risk of unintended consequences or loopholes that could be exploited.
- May require additional oversight to prevent fraud or abuse.
- Could face opposition from groups concerned about the cost or scope of the legislation.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with constitutional principles of equal protection and due process, as it seeks to eliminate discrimination against disabled adults in the context of marriage and government benefits. While the Constitution does not explicitly address marriage equality for disabled individuals, the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause can be interpreted to support the bill's goals. The bill also falls under Congress's power to provide for the general welfare, as outlined in Article I, Section 8.
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).