H.R.930 - Stop the Wait Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.930, the Stop the Wait Act of 2025, aims to amend the Social Security Act to eliminate the waiting period for disability insurance benefits and to provide Medicare eligibility for certain individuals during the waiting period. The bill proposes a phased elimination of the waiting period, starting with a reduction to three months for applications filed in 2025-2027, two months in 2028, and one month in 2029, before full elimination in 2030. It also addresses Medicare eligibility for individuals who lack minimum essential coverage during what would have been the waiting period.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to provide quicker access to disability insurance benefits and Medicare coverage for eligible individuals. This would reduce the financial strain on disabled individuals and their families during the initial months after a disability occurs. The phased approach allows for a gradual adjustment to the changes in the Social Security system.
Potential Benefits
- Expedited Access to Benefits: Individuals with disabilities would receive financial assistance sooner, alleviating financial hardship.
- Improved Healthcare Access: Earlier Medicare eligibility ensures timely medical care for those in need.
- Reduced Financial Strain: Eliminating the waiting period reduces the burden on families supporting disabled individuals.
- Simplification of Processes: Streamlining the application process and benefit disbursement.
- Increased Economic Stability: Providing a safety net that allows disabled individuals to maintain a basic standard of living.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Government Spending: Eliminating the waiting period may increase the financial burden on the Social Security system.
- Potential for Fraud: Quicker access to benefits could increase the risk of fraudulent claims.
- Administrative Challenges: Implementing the phased approach and Medicare eligibility changes may present administrative hurdles.
- Unintended Consequences: The changes could affect the overall solvency of the Social Security system if not managed carefully.
- Delayed Full Implementation: The phased approach means full benefits are not immediately available.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by aiming to provide for the well-being of disabled citizens. Congress has the power to legislate regarding Social Security under the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8), as it relates to carrying out its enumerated powers to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.
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).