H.R.2048 - Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2048, the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act, aims to amend Title II of the Social Security Act. The bill seeks to eliminate the waiting periods for disability insurance benefits and Medicare coverage for individuals diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. This would align the treatment of metastatic breast cancer with that of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) under the Social Security Act.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to expedite access to disability insurance benefits and Medicare coverage for individuals with metastatic breast cancer. This would provide quicker financial and healthcare support during a critical period. The changes would apply to applications filed after the enactment date and benefits for months beginning after the enactment date.
Potential Benefits
- Expedited access to disability insurance benefits for individuals with metastatic breast cancer.
- Faster Medicare coverage, reducing the financial burden of healthcare costs.
- Improved quality of life for patients by providing timely access to care.
- Aligned treatment with ALS, recognizing the severity of metastatic breast cancer.
- Potential for reduced stress and improved mental health due to decreased financial worries.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in Social Security expenditures, requiring careful budget management.
- Possible strain on the Medicare system due to increased demand for services.
- Could set a precedent for other diseases to request similar waivers, potentially impacting the system's sustainability.
- Administrative challenges in implementing the changes and verifying diagnoses.
- Risk of unintended consequences if the expedited process is not carefully managed.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to provide for the well-being of individuals with metastatic breast cancer. Specifically, the preamble of the Constitution states the goal to "promote the general Welfare." The bill falls under the powers granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8, which allows Congress to lay and collect taxes to provide for the general welfare of the United States. The Social Security Act, which this bill amends, has been deemed constitutional under this clause.
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).