S. 868 — Introduced in Senate

II 117th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 868 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 18, 2021Mrs. Gillibrand (for herself, Mr. Cassidy, and Mr. King) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To amend title II of the Social Security Act to eliminate the five-month waiting period for disability insurance benefits under such title and waive the 24-month waiting period for Medicare eligibility for individuals with Huntington’s disease. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Huntington’s Disease Disability Insurance Access Act of 2021. 2. Elimination of waiting period for social security disability insurance benefits for individuals with Huntington’s disease (a) In general Section 223(a)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 423(a)(1)) is amended, in the matter following subparagraph (E), by inserting or Huntington’s disease after amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to applications for disability insurance benefits filed after the date of the enactment of this Act. 3. Waiver of 24-month waiting period for coverage under the Medicare program for individuals with Huntington’s disease (a) In general Section 226(h) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 426(h)) is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting or Huntington’s disease (HD) after amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to benefits under title XVIII of the Social Security Act with respect to items and services furnished in months beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.