,i #aafth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,h4 ,r4 #fiea ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,may #ai1 #bjbj,ms4 ,schakowsky 7for herself1 ,ms4 ,matsui1 ,mr4 ,lamb1 ,ms4 ,roybal-,allard1 ,mrs4 ,dingell1 ,ms4 ,pressley1 and ,mr4 ,deutch7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,ways and ,means1 and in addition to the ,committees on ,energy and ,commerce1 ,education and ,labor1 and ,agriculture1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to assist older ,americans and people with disabilities affected by ,,covid-#ai4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,,covid-#ai ,recovery for ,seniors and ,people with ,disabilities ,act of #bjbj4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4,title ,i--,social ,security,sec4 #aja4 ,definitions4,sec4 #ajb4 ,pausing continuing disability reviews during the ,,covid-#ai public health emergency4,sec4 #ajc4 ,pausing all collection of overpayments during the ,,covid-#ai public health emergency4,sec4 #ajd4 ,pausing all suspension of benefits for failure to cooperate during the ,,covid-#ai public health emergency4,sec4 #aje4 ,update in eligibility thresholds for supplemental security income2 elimination of marriage penalty4,sec4 #ajf4 ,elimination of ,social ,security disability and ,medicare waiting periods4,sec4 #ajg4 ,support and maintenance furnished in kind not included as income for purposes of ,,ssi4,sec4 #ajh4 ,suspension of certain regulations4,sec4 #aji4 ,discharge of student loans4,sec4 #aaj4 ,elimination of separate account requirement for past-due supplemental security income benefits paid to child beneficiaries4,sec4 #aaa4 ,increasing the substantial gainful activity limit4,sec4 #aab4 ,state grants to protect the legal rights of ,,ssi and ,,ssdi applicants and beneficiaries4,sec4 #aac4 ,social security assistance and representation grants4,title ,,ii--,medicare ,sec4 #bja4 ,fairness in ,medicare enrollment and coverage periods4,sec4 #bjb4 ,permitting an attestation of employment-based health insurance coverage during the ,,covid-#ai public health emergency4,sec4 #bjc4 ,suspension of the ,medicare part ,d low-income subsidy asset test4,title ,,iii--,medicaid,sec4 #cja4 ,suspension of asset test for medical assistance for ,medicare cost sharing during ,,covid-#ai emergency period4,sec4 #cjb4 ,temporary increase of ,medicaid ,,fmap for ,medicare cost-sharing4,sec4 #cjc4 ,delay in reduction of ,,fmap for ,medicaid personal care services furnished without an electronic visit verification system4,title ,,iv--,agriculture,sec4 #dja4 ,commodity supplemental food program4 ,i ,social ,security #aja4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,commissioner ,the term ,commissioner means the ,commissioner of ,social ,security4 7#b7 ,,covid-#ai emergency period ,the term ,,covid-#ai emergency period means the period of months-- 7,a7 beginning with the first month that begins on or after the date of enactment of this ,act2 and 7,b7 ending with the sixth month that begins on or after the last day of the public health emergency described in section #aace7;g77#a77;,b7 of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acbj;b-#e7;g77#a77;,b774 #ajb4 ,pausing continuing disability reviews during the ,,covid-#ai public health emergency 7a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding any other provision of law and except as provided in subsection 7b71 the ,commissioner shall not conduct any continuing disability review 7as such term is defined in section #bja7;g77#a77;,a7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dja7;g77#a77;,a777 during the ,,covid-#ai emergency period4 7b7 ,exception for ,,cdr appeals ,subsection 7a7 shall not apply to a continuing disability review that-- 7#a7 is in progress on the date of enactment of this ,act2 and 7#b7 is being conducted pursuant to an appeal by an individual of a adverse decision of the ,commissioner with respect to the individual's eligibility for benefits under title ,,ii or ,,xvi of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dja et seq41 #acha et seq471 or the amount of such benefits for which the individual is eligible4 #ajc4 ,pausing all collection of overpayments during the ,,covid-#ai public health emergency 7a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding any other provision of law and except as provided in subsection 7b71 during the ,,covid-#ai emergency period1 the ,commissioner shall not make any downward adjustment to a benefit amount payable to an individual under title ,,ii or ,,xvi of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dja et seq41 #acha et seq471 or take any other action1 for the purpose of collecting an overpayment made to such individual4 7b7 ,exception for fraud ,subsection 7a7 shall not apply to any downward adjustment or any other action with respect to a benefit amount payable to an individual under title ,,ii or ,,xvi of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dja et seq41 #acha et seq47 if such adjustment is made1 or such action taken1 on the basis that the individual is involved in fraud or similar fault4 #ajd4 ,pausing all suspension of benefits for failure to cooperate during the ,,covid-#ai public health emergency ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 during the ,,covid-#ai emergency period1 the ,commissioner shall not suspend1 modify1 or terminate an individual's entitlement to1 or eligibility for1 benefits under title ,,ii or ,,xvi of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dja et seq41 #acha et seq47 on the basis that the individual has failed to cooperate with a request of the ,commissioner4 #aje4 ,update in eligibility thresholds for supplemental security income2 elimination of marriage penalty 7a7 ,update in general income exclusion ,section #afab7;b77#b77;,a7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #achb;a7b77#b77;,a77 is amended by striking #bdj and inserting #a1dgf 7increased as described in section #afag7;d7 for each calendar year after #bjbj74 7b7 ,update in earned income exclusion ,section #afab7;b77#d7 of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #achb;a7b77#d77 is amended by striking #ghj each place it appears and inserting #d1ghh 7increased as described in section #afag7;d7 for each calendar year after #bjbj74 7c7 ,update in resource limit for individuals and couples ,section #afaa7;a77#c7 of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #achb7;a77#c77 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking #b1bej and all that follows through the end of the subparagraph and inserting #bj1jjj in calendar year #bjbj1 and shall be increased as described in section #afag7;d7 for each subsequent calendar year42 and 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking #a1ejj and all that follows through the end of the subparagraph and inserting #aj1jjj in calendar year #bjbj1 and shall be increased as described in section #afag7;d7 for each subsequent calendar year44 7d7 ,inflation adjustment ,section #afag of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #achb;f7 is amended-- 7#a7 in the section heading1 by inserting 2 inflation adjustment after benefits2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7d7 7#a7 ,in the case of any calendar year after #bjbj1 each of the amounts specified in sections #afaa7;a77#c71 #afab7;b77#b77;,a71 and #afab7;b77#d7 shall be increased by multiplying each such amount by the quotient obtained by dividing-- 7,a7 the average of the ,consumer ,price ,index for ,elderly ,consumers 7,,cpi-,e1 as published by the ,bureau of ,labor ,statistics of the ,department of ,labor7 for the #ab-month period ending with ,september of the preceding calendar year1 by 7,b7 such average for the #ab-month period ending with ,september #bjai4 7#b7 ,in no case shall the application of paragraph 7#a7 result in a reduction to the amounts specified in such paragraph4 4 7e7 ,repeal of marriage penalty 7#a7 ,in general ,section #afaa7;b77#b7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #achb;f7b77#b77 is amended by striking payable at the rate of and all that follows through the end of the paragraph and inserting payable-- 7,a7 for calendar years #aigd through #bjai1 at the rate of #b1fbh 7or1 if greater1 the amount determined under section #afag72 and 7,b7 for calendar year #bjbj and any calendar year thereafter1 at twice the rate applicable for such calendar year under paragraph 7#a7 for an individual who does not have an eligible spouse1 reduced by the amount of income1 not excluded pursuant to section #afab7;b71 of such individual and spouse4 4 7#b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #afag7;a77#a7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #achb7;a77#a77 is amended by striking subsections 7a77#a77;,a71 7a77#b77;,a71 7b77#a71 and 7b77#b7 and inserting subsections 7a77#a77;,a71 7a77#b77;,a71 and 7b77#a74 7f7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of enactment of this ,act1 and shall apply to eligibility determinations made1 and benefit amounts payable1 under title ,,xvi of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acha et seq47 on or after such date4 #ajf4 ,elimination of ,social ,security disability and ,medicare waiting periods 7a7 ,temporary elimination of waiting periods for ,social ,security disability benefits and ,railroad ,retirement ,act disability benefits ,during the period that begins on the date of enactment of this ,act and ends on the last day of the sixth month that begins on or after the last day of the public health emergency described in section #aace7;g77#a77;,b7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acbj;b-#e7;g77#a77;,b77-- 7#a7 section #bjb7;e77#e7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djb7;e77#e77 shall be applied by striking subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 and inserting the following3 ,the waiting period referred to in paragraph 7#a77;,f71 in the case of any widow or surviving divorced wife1 is zero months42 7#b7 section #bjb7;f77#e7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djb7;f77#e77 shall be applied by striking subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 and inserting the following3 ,the waiting period referred to in paragraph 7#a77;,f71 in the case of any widower or surviving divorced husband1 is zero months42 7#c7 section #bbc7;c77#b7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dbc7;c77#b77 shall be applied by substituting zero months4 for the earliest period of five consecutive calendar months and all that follows through the period2 and 7#d7 section #e7;a77ii7 of the ,railroad ,retirement ,act of #aigd 7#de ,u4,s4,c4 #bca;c7a77ii77 shall be applied by striking the of 7,a7 and all that follows through 7,b74 7b7 ,temporary elimination of ,medicare waiting period ,for purposes of applying section #bbf of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dbf7 to any individual during the period described in subsection 7a71 the following special rules apply3 7#a7 ,subsection 7b7 of such section shall be applied as if there were no requirement for any entitlement to benefits1 or status1 for a period longer than #a month4 7#b7 ,the entitlement under such subsection shall begin with the first month 7rather than twenty-fifth month7 of entitlement or status4 7#c7 ,subsection 7f7 of such section shall not be applied4 7c7 ,rules of application 7#a7 ,scope of application ,the provisions of the ,social ,security ,act and the ,railroad ,retirement ,act of #aigd specified in subsections 7a7 and 7b7 shall be applied in the manner described in such subsections with respect to any individual-- 7,a7 for whom a waiting period under such provision began before the date of enactment of this ,act2 and 7,b7 for whom a waiting period under such a provision begins on or after such date of enactment4 7#b7 ,effect of application ,an individual with respect to whom a waiting period under a provision specified in subsection 7a7 or 7b7 does not apply as a result of the application of such subsection shall1 for purposes of applying such provision to such individual after the end of the period described in subsection 7a71 be deemed to have met the waiting period requirement under such provision4 #ajg4 ,support and maintenance furnished in kind not included as income for purposes of ,,ssi 7a7 ,in general ,section #afab7;a77#b7 of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #achb;a7a77#b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by inserting 7other than support or maintenance furnished in kind7 after all other income2 and 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,a7-- 7,a7 by striking or kind2 7,b7 by striking clause 7i7 and redesignating clauses 7ii7 and 7iii7 as clauses 7i7 and 7ii71 respectively2 and 7,c7 in clause 7ii7 7as so redesignated71 by striking and the provisions of clause 7i7 shall not be applicable4 7b7 ,conforming amendments 7#a7 ,section #afaa7;c7 of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #achb7;c77 is amended by striking paragraph 7#f7 and redesignating paragraphs 7#g7 through 7#aj7 as paragraphs 7#f7 through 7#i71 respectively4 7#b7 ,section #afab7;a77#b7 of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #achb;a7a77#b77 is amended-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,f71 by inserting and at the end2 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,g71 by striking 2 and and inserting a period2 7,c7 by moving subparagraph 7,g7 #b ems to the right2 and 7,d7 by striking subparagraph 7,h74 7#c7 ,section #afba7;c7 of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #achb;j7c77 is amended to read as follows3 7c7 ,in determining the amount of income of an alien during the period of #e years after such alien's entry into the ,united ,states1 support or maintenance furnished in cash to the alien by such alien's sponsor 7to the extent that it reflects income or resources which were taken into account in determining the amount of income and resources to be deemed to the alien under subsection 7a7 or 7b7 of this section7 shall not be considered to be income of such alien under section #afab7;a77#b77;,a74 4 #ajh4 ,suspension of certain regulations ,during the ,,covid-#ai emergency period1 the ,commissioner shall not promulgate or revise 7and shall suspend any activities related to the promulgation or revision of7 any regulation relating to-- 7#a7 the frequency of continuing disability reviews under title ,,ii or ,,xvi of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dja et seq41 #acha et seq472 7#b7 the authority of administrative appeals judges of the ,social ,security ,administration2 or 7#c7 the medical-vocational guidelines for determining whether an individual is disabled for purposes of title ,,ii or ,,xvi of the ,social ,security ,act4 #aji4 ,discharge of student loans 7a7 ,,ffel loans and federal direct loans ,section #dcg7;a7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajhg7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating paragraph 7#c7 as paragraph 7#d72 and 7#b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#b7 the following3 7#c7 ,,mine disability determinations 7,a7 ,in general ,a student borrower whom the ,commissioner of ,social ,security has classified as medical improvement not expected for purposes of entitlement to benefits under title ,,ii of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dja et seq47 on the basis of a disability-- 7i7 shall be considered permanently and totally disabled for the purpose of discharging such borrower's loans under this subsection2 and 7ii7 shall not be required to present additional documentation for purposes of this subsection4 7,b7 ,procedures ,the ,secretary and the ,commissioner of ,social ,security shall jointly develop procedures through which the ,commissioner shall1 on not less than a quarterly basis1 provide the ,secretary with such information regarding individuals who are classified as medical improvement not expected for purposes of entitlement to benefits under title ,,ii of the ,social ,security ,act on the basis of a disability as the ,secretary shall require for purposes of carrying out this paragraph4 7,c7 ,opt-out process ,after receiving information regarding a borrower from the ,commissioner under subparagraph 7,b71 the ,secretary shall-- 7i7 identify whether the individual has any loans under this title2 and 7ii7 if the individual is a student borrower of a loan described in subparagraph 7,a7 or 7,b7 of section #dbh7;a77#a71 or a loan under part ,d1 notify the borrower1 in writing1 that-- 7,i7 the borrower qualifies for discharge under this section based on the determination of the ,commissioner2 7,,ii7 unless the borrower requests otherwise within #cj days after receiving the notification under subclause 7,i71 the ,secretary shall discharge the borrower's liability on the loan in accordance with the requirements of this section2 and 7,,iii7 there may be tax implications to the borrower for a discharge under this paragraph2 and 7iii7 if the borrower does not opt out of the discharge under this paragraph by the date specified in the notice1 discharge the borrower's liability on the loan1 in accordance with the requirements of this section4 7,d7 ,grace period ,any borrower who receives a discharge under this paragraph may1 during the #a-year period immediately following the discharge1 request that the ,secretary restore the loan and reverse the discharge without suffering any penalty4 4 7b7 ,perkins loans ,section #dfd7;c7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajhg;dd7c77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#h7 7,a7 ,a student borrower whom the ,commissioner of ,social ,security has classified as medical improvement not expected for purposes of entitlement to benefits under title ,,ii of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dja et seq47 on the basis of a disability-- 7i7 shall be considered permanently and totally disabled for the purpose of cancelling such borrower's loans under paragraph 7#a77;,f72 and 7ii7 shall not be required to present additional documentation for purposes of paragraph 7#a77;,f74 7,b7 ,the ,secretary and the ,commissioner of ,social ,security shall jointly develop procedures through which the ,commissioner shall1 on not less than a quarterly basis1 provide the ,secretary with such information regarding individuals who are classified as medical improvement not expected for purposes of entitlement to benefits under title ,,ii of the ,social ,security ,act on the basis of a disability as the ,secretary shall require for purposes of carrying out this paragraph4 7,c7 ,after receiving information regarding a borrower from the ,commissioner under subparagraph 7,b71 the ,secretary shall-- 7i7 identify whether the individual has any loans under this part2 and 7ii7 if the individual is a student borrower of a loan under this part1 notify the borrower1 in writing1 that-- 7,i7 the borrower qualifies for cancellation under this subsection based on the determination of the ,commissioner2 and 7,,ii7 unless the borrower requests otherwise within #cj days after receiving the notification under subclause 7,i71 the ,secretary shall cancel the borrower's liability on the loan in accordance with the requirements of this subsection2 7,,iii7 there may be tax implications to the borrower for a loan cancellation under this paragraph2 and 7iii7 if the borrower does not opt out of the cancellation under this paragraph by the date specified in the notice1 cancel the borrower's liability on the loan1 in accordance with the requirements of this subsection4 7,d7 ,any borrower who receives a cancellation under this paragraph may1 during the #a-year period immediately following the cancellation1 request that the ,secretary restore the loan and reverse the cancellation without suffering any penalty4 4 7c7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by subsections 7a7 and 7b7 shall take effect on the date that is #abj days after the date of enactment of this ,act4 #aaj4 ,elimination of separate account requirement for past-due supplemental security income benefits paid to child beneficiaries 7a7 ,in general ,section #afca7;a77#b77;,f7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #achc7;a77#b77;,f77 is amended-- 7#a7 in clause 7i77,i71 by striking ,each representative payee and inserting ,subject to clause 7v71 each representative payee2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following clause3 7v7 ,beginning on the date of enactment of this clause1 the requirements of clause 7i7 shall cease to be effective1 and any amounts maintained in an account established on behalf of an individual under clause 7i7 shall be subject to the same requirements1 and may be used in the same manner1 as monthly benefits payable to such an individual under this title4 4 7b7 ,rule of construction ,amounts transferred into the account of an individual pursuant to subsection 7a7 shall not be taken into account as income or resources of such individual for purposes of determining the eligibility of such individual or any other individual for benefits or assistance1 or the amount or extent of such benefits or assistance1 under title ,,xvi of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acha et seq471 under any other ,federal program1 or under any ,state or local program financed in whole or in part with ,federal funds4 #aaa4 ,increasing the substantial gainful activity limit ,section #bbc7;d77#d7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dbc7;d77#d77 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking the second sentence2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs3 7,d7 7i7 ,earnings derived from services shall demonstrate an individual's ability to engage in substantial gainful activity when the amount of such earnings exceeds1 on a monthly basis-- 7,i7 for calendar year #bjbj1 #b1djj2 and 7,,ii7 for any calendar year after #bjbj1 subject to clause 7ii71 an amount equal to the amount that applied under this subparagraph for the preceding calendar year multiplied by the quotient obtained by dividing-- 7aa7 the national average wage index 7as defined in section #bji7k77#a77 for the #ab-month period ending with ,september of such preceding calendar year2 by 7bb7 the national average wage index 7as so defined7 for the #ab-month period ending with ,september #bjai4 7ii7 ,in no case shall the amount determined for a calendar year under subclause 7,,ii7 of clause 7i7 be less than the amount that applied under this subparagraph for the preceding calendar year4 4 #aab4 ,state grants to protect the legal rights of ,,ssi and ,,ssdi applicants and beneficiaries ,title ,,xi of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acja et seq47 is amended by inserting after section #aaej;,b the following new section3 #aaej;,c4 ,state grants to protect the legal rights of supplemental security and disability insurance applicants and beneficiaries 7a7 ,in general ,the ,commissioner may make payments in each ,state to the protection and advocacy system established pursuant to part ,c of title ,i of the ,developmental ,disabilities ,assistance and ,bill of ,rights ,act for the purpose of protecting the legal rights of beneficiaries with a disability4 7b7 ,services provided ,services provided to beneficiaries with a disability pursuant to a payment made under this section may include-- 7#a7 information and advice about accessing and applying for benefits under title ,,ii or title ,,xvi on the basis of a disability and appealing eligibility decisions with respect to such benefits2 7#b7 advocacy and other services that a beneficiary with a disability may need related to such benefits2 and 7#c7 services described in section #aaej7;b74 7c7 ,application ,in order to receive payments under this section1 a protection and advocacy system shall submit an application to the ,commissioner1 at such time1 in such form and manner1 and accompanied by such information and assurances as the ,commissioner may require4 7d7 ,amount of payments 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to the amount appropriated for a fiscal year for making payments under this section1 a protection and advocacy system shall not be paid an amount that is less than-- 7,a7 in the case of a protection and advocacy system located in one of the #ej ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 or ,puerto ,rico1 #bjj1jjj2 and 7,b7 in the case of a protection and advocacy system located in ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 or the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 #ajj1jjj4 7#b7 ,inflation adjustment ,for each fiscal year in which the total amount appropriated to carry out this section exceeds the total amount appropriated to carry out this section in the preceding fiscal year1 the ,commissioner shall increase each minimum payment under subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 of paragraph 7#a7 by a percentage equal to the percentage increase in the total amount so appropriated to carry out this section4 7e7 ,annual report ,each protection and advocacy system that receives a payment under this section shall submit an annual report to the ,commissioner on the services provided to individuals by the system4 7f7 ,funding 7#a7 ,allocation of payments ,payments under this section shall be made from amounts made available for the administration of title ,,ii and amounts made available for the administration of title ,,xvi1 and shall be allocated among those amounts as appropriate4 7#b7 ,carryover ,any amounts allotted for payment to a protection and advocacy system under this section for a fiscal year shall remain available for payment to or on behalf of the protection and advocacy system until the end of the succeeding fiscal year4 7g7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,beneficiary with a disability ,the term beneficiary with a disability means an individual who-- 7,a7 is a title ,,ii disability beneficiary or a title ,,xvi disability beneficiary 7as such terms are defined under section #aadh7k772 or 7,b7 is an applicant or prospective applicant for benefits under title ,,ii or title ,,xvi on the basis that such individual has a disability4 7#b7 ,commissioner ,the term ,commissioner means the ,commissioner of ,social ,security4 7#c7 ,protection and advocacy system ,the term protection and advocacy system means a protection and advocacy system established pursuant to part ,c of title ,i of the ,developmental ,disabilities ,assistance and ,bill of ,rights ,act4 7h7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section #be1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjba through #bjbe4 4 #aac4 ,social security assistance and representation grants 7a7 ,in general ,for each fiscal year during the #e-year period beginning with fiscal year #bjbj1 the ,commissioner shall award not less than #aj grants under this section to community-based organizations for the purpose of assisting beneficiaries with disabilities-- 7#a7 during the process of applying for benefits under title ,,ii or ,,xvi of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dja et seq41 #acha et seq47 on the basis of a disability2 7#b7 any appeals processes before the ,commissioner1 an administrative judge of the ,social ,security ,administration1 or a ,state ,disability ,determination ,services office2 and 7#c7 in accessing such benefits4 7b7 ,grant requirements 7#a7 ,duration and amount of grants ,a grant awarded to a community-based organization under this section-- 7,a7 shall be for an amount that is not less than #ejj1jjj2 and 7,b7 shall be for a period of #e years4 7#b7 ,use of funds ,grant funds shall only be used for a purpose described in subsection 7a74 7c7 ,application 7#a7 ,in general ,to receive a grant under this section1 a community-based organization shall submit an application to the ,commissioner1 at such time and in such form and manner and accompanied by such information and assurances as the ,commissioner may require4 7#b7 ,required information ,an application for a grant under this section shall include the following information3 7,a7 ,the region to be served by the applicant4 7,b7 ,a description of the needs of beneficiaries with a disability in such region4 7,c7 ,a description of services to be provided under such grant4 7,d7 ,the personnel that would provide such services4 7,e7 ,the applicant's plan for disseminating awareness of the services provided under the grant to beneficiaries with a disability in the region4 7#c7 ,memorandum of understanding ,an application for a grant under this section shall include a memorandum of understanding among any collaborating entities as to roles and allocation of grant funds for each collaborating agency4 7#d7 ,assurance of availability ,an application for a grant under this section shall include a commitment by the applicant that all services provided under the grant1 including information about such services1 shall be accessible to beneficiaries with a disability4 7d7 ,definitions 7#a7 ,beneficiary with a disability ,the term beneficiary with a disability has the meaning given such term in section #aaej;,c of the ,social ,security ,act 7as added by section #aab74 7#b7 ,commissioner ,the term ,commissioner means the ,commissioner of ,social ,security4 7#c7 ,community-based organization ,the term community-based organization means a non-profit agency or collaboration of non-profit agencies that-- 7,a7 serves a region of one or more ,states2 7,b7 includes-- 7i7 a legal team of lawyers licensed to practice in the ,state or ,states served by the organization2 7ii7 experts in disability benefits provided under title ,,ii and ,,xvi of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dja et seq41 #acha et seq471 including application1 and appeals procedures under such titles2 and 7iii7 individuals currently receiving benefits on the basis of a disability under such a title1 or who were beneficiaries under such a title on the basis of a disability within the past #e years2 and 7,c7 is overseen by a board or advisory group composed of at least #a_/c members who are current or former beneficiaries on the basis of a disability under title ,,ii or ,,xvi of the ,social ,security ,act4 7#d7 ,state ,the term ,state means the #ej states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 ,puerto ,rico1 the ,virgin ,islands1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 and the ,commonwealth of ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7e7 ,appropriation ,there is appropriated to the ,commissioner1 for each of fiscal years #bjbj through #bjbd1 #ae1jjj1jjj for the purpose of carrying out this section4 7f7 ,reports 7#a7 ,in general ,each community-based organization that receives a grant under this sections shall provide the ,commissioner with-- 7,a7 for each year of the grant period1 an annual report on the services provided2 and 7,b7 at the conclusion of the grant period1 a final report of activities provided under the grant4 7#b7 ,evaluation grant ,from the administrative funds of title ,,ii and title ,,xvi1 there shall be awarded an evaluation grant to an independent entity to evaluate the impact of the grants under this section4 ,the amount to be awarded to the evaluation entity shall be at least #ejj1jjj for each of the #e years of the grant period and at least #ejj1jjj for the #b years following the grant period4 ,,ii ,medicare #bja4 ,fairness in ,medicare enrollment and coverage periods 7a7 ,elimination of ,medicare coverage gaps for new enrollees ,in the case of an individual who enrolled under part ,a of title ,,xviii of the ,social ,security ,act during the general enrollment period under section #ahah of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acie;i-#b7 or enrolled under part ,b of such title during the general enrollment period under section #ahcg7;e7 of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aciep7e771 the following shall apply3 7#a7 ,coverage period ,notwithstanding subsection 7c7 of such section #ahah and subsection 7a77#b77;,e7 of section #ahch of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acieq71 such individual's coverage period under such sections #ahah and #ahch shall begin on ,april #a1 #bjbj1 rather than on ,july #a1 #bjbj4 7#b7 ,installment plan for retroactive premium payments ,notwithstanding subsection 7d7 of such section #ahah and section #ahci of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acier71 if the individual is required to make any back payments of the monthly premium under such subsection 7d7 or such section #ahci by reason of the retroactive coverage period under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall permit the individual1 if requested by the individual1 to pay such back payments in installments1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7b7 ,special part ,b open enrollment period relating to the ,,covid-#ai public health emergency 7#a7 ,enrollment ,section #ahcg of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aciep7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7m7 ,special open enrollment period relating to the ,,covid-#ai public health emergency ,in the case of any individual who is eligible to enroll but who has elected not to enroll 7or to be deemed enrolled7 under this part1 there shall be a special enrollment period during the emergency period described in section #aace7;g77#a77;,b74 4 7#b7 ,coverage period ,section #ahch of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acieq7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7g7 ,notwithstanding subsection 7a71 in the case of an individual who enrolls during a special enrollment period pursuant to section #ahcg7m71 the coverage period under this part shall begin on the date the individual applied for such enrollment 7but in no case earlier than ,january #ca1 #bjbj74 4 7#c7 ,conforming amendment ,section #ahci7;b7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acier7b77 is amended1 in the first sentence1 by striking or 7l7 and inserting 7l71 or 7m74 #bjb4 ,permitting an attestation of employment-based health insurance coverage during the ,,covid-#ai public health emergency ,subsection 7b7 of section #ahci of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acier7 is amended by inserting the following after the second sentence3 ,with respect to enrollments under this part during the emergency period described in section #aace7;g77#a77;,b71 for purposes of demonstrating enrollment in a group health plan or a large group health plan for a period of time under the preceding sentence1 the ,secretary shall accept an attestation from an individual regarding the individual's coverage during such period in lieu of the individual providing otherwise required documentation44 #bjc4 ,suspension of the ,medicare part ,d low-income subsidy asset test ,section #ahfj;,d-#ad7;a77#c7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aciew-#aad7;a77#c77 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,a77iii71 by striking meets and inserting subject to subparagraph 7,h71 meets2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,h7 ,suspension of the asset test ,during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this subparagraph and ending on ,december #ca of the year following the year that includes the date of the end of the emergency period described in section #aace7;g77#a77;,b71 subparagraph 7,a7 shall be applied without regard to clause 7iii7 of such subparagraph4 4 ,,iii ,medicaid #cja4 ,suspension of asset test for medical assistance for ,medicare cost sharing during ,,covid-#ai emergency period 7a7 ,in general ,during the period described in subsection 7b71 for purposes of determining eligibility for medical assistance for ,medicare cost sharing under section #aijb7;a77#aj77;,e7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acif;a7a77#aj77;,e77-- 7#a7 subsection 7p77#a7 of section #aije of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acif;d7 shall be applied by disregarding subparagraph 7,c7 of such subsection2 and 7#b7 subsection 7s7 of such section shall be applied by disregarding paragraph 7#c7 of such subsection4 7b7 ,,covid-#ai emergency period ,the period described in this subsection is the period-- 7#a7 beginning on the date of enactment of this ,act2 and 7#b7 ending with the last day of the twelfth month that begins on or after the last day of the public health emergency described in section #aace7;g77#a77;,b7 of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acbj;b-#e7;g77#a77;,b774 #cjb4 ,temporary increase of ,medicaid ,,fmap for ,medicare cost-sharing 7a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 for each calendar quarter occurring during the period described in section #cja7;b71 the ,federal medical assistance percentage applicable under section #aijc7;a7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acif;b7a77 for each ,state1 including the ,district of ,columbia1 ,american ,samoa1 ,guam1 the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 ,puerto ,rico1 and the ,virgin ,islands1 with respect to amounts expended by such ,state on medical assistance for ,medicare cost-sharing 7as defined in section #aije7p77#c7 of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acif;d7p77#c777 provided during such period1 shall be equal to #ajj percent4 7b7 ,exclusion of enhanced payments from territorial payment limits ,to the extent that a ,federal payment for ,medicare cost-sharing that is made to ,american ,samoa1 ,guam1 the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 ,puerto ,rico1 and the ,virgin ,islands is increased pursuant to subsection 7a7-- 7#a7 the limitations on payments to territories under subsections 7f7 and 7g7 of section #aajh of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acjh7 shall not apply to the amount of such increase2 and 7#b7 the amount of such increase shall be disregarded in applying such subsections4 #cjc4 ,delay in reduction of ,,fmap for ,medicaid personal care services furnished without an electronic visit verification system ,section #aijc7l77#a7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acif;b7l77#a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,january #a1 #bjbj and inserting the date that is #f months after the end of the emergency period described in section #aace7;g77#a77;,b72 and 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by inserting 7if applicable7 after percentage points each place it appears4 ,,iv ,agriculture #dja4 ,commodity supplemental food program 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,covered period ,the term covered period means the period beginning on the date of enactment of this ,act and ending on the date on which the public health emergency declared by the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services under section #cai of the ,public ,health ,service ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bdg;d7 on ,january #ca1 #bjbj1 with respect to ,,covid-#ai1 is terminated4 7#b7 ,program ,the term program means the commodity supplemental food program established under section #d of the ,agriculture and ,consumer ,protection ,act of #aigc 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #fab;c note2 ,public ,law #ic-hf74 7#c7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 7b7 ,temporary modifications to program 7#a7 ,delivery flexibility ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 during the covered period1 the ,secretary shall permit each ,state and ,state agency to modify practices under the program to achieve contactless delivery of commodities1 including by waiving the requirement for signature from program participants at the time of delivery4 7#b7 ,monthly distribution 7,a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 during the covered period1 the ,secretary may use appropriated funds under the program to increase by not more than #bjj percent the maximum monthly quantity of commodities distributed to each program participant4 7,b7 ,supplement not supplant ,the increased commodities described in subparagraph 7,a7 shall supplement and not supplant the regular distribution of commodities under the program4