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Response to introduction of the Medicare two-year wait bill

Response to introduction of the Medicare two-year wait bill
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April 6, 2009
Email: media@alz.org
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Response to introduction of the Medicare two-year wait bill

The Alzheimer's Association commends Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) and Rep. Gene Green (D-Texas) for their important legislation phasing out the two-year wait period for Medicare for those under age 65 who qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). We also appreciate the original co-sponsors of the legislation — Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Rep. Lee Terry (R-Neb.) — for their support.

There are more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease, and up to a half million of these individuals are under age 65 and have younger-onset Alzheimer's or a related dementia. After working full-time and paying into Medicare like all other employed Americans, many of these individuals lose their jobs and with it their employer-based health coverage. As these individuals grapple with the challenges an Alzheimer diagnosis brings to their lives, they also discover that federal law requires them to wait two additional years after their disability determination to become eligible for Medicare benefits.

The Alzheimer's Association urges members of Congress to cosponsor the Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2009 (S. 700 and H.R. 1708). Phasing out the waiting period for Medicare benefits for people disabled by Alzheimer's disease would reduce the problem of lack of health insurance and high out-of-pocket expenditures for this vulnerable population. It would ensure access to critical healthcare services that can help to manage the disease and help to maintain independence.

There are more than 1.5 million people with disabling conditions suffering through two long years for much needed Medicare coverage. Nearly 40 percent of these individuals are without health insurance coverage at some point during their wait for Medicare and 24 percent have no health insurance during this entire period. These are important gaps in the healthcare system that can no longer be ignored.

Alzheimer's disease poses tremendous burdens on individuals and families, burdens made worse by lack of healthcare coverage. The Alzheimer's Association is grateful for the leadership of Sen. Bingaman and Rep. Green and urges bipartisan support and swift enactment of this important legislation that provides invaluable health coverage and peace of mind for those with Alzheimer's and other disabling, fatal diseases.

About the Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

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