[NFBC-Info] Fwd: [Nfbnet-members-list] Legislative Alert - 4/13/2020

[Shannon Dillon]

Good morning,
Please see the important legislative alert concerning SSDI and Medicare below
Thank you.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Flynt, Stephanie via NFBNet-Members-List"
<nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org>
Date: Mon, 13 Apr 2020 21:59:39 +0000
Subject: [Nfbnet-members-list] Legislative Alert - 4/13/2020
To: "nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org" <nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org>

Dear Federation Family:

We find ourselves in unprecedented times, but the advocacy and
legislative priorities of the Federation have not been stopped. In
fact, we are working harder than ever before to ensure that our rights
are protected and that we receive the benefits we need in a timely and
efficient manner.

We are currently working to include a provision in the next
coronavirus aid legislation that will eliminate the five-month waiting
period for SSDI payments as well as the 24-month waiting period for
Medicare benefits. If enacted, this provision would amend section 223
of the Social Security Act to include language for a temporary waiver
of the waiting period for cash payments for SSDI. We would also
propose an amendment to section 226 of the Social Security Act to
include temporary waivers of the waiting period for Medicare benefits.
Both of these waivers would apply to people with disabilities who are
determined eligible between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020. In
these times of uncertainty it is critical that we have access to these
disability and Medicare benefits as quickly as possible. We are asking
you to call your senators and representative and urge them to include
this provision in the coronavirus aid legislation.

When you call or email, you might say something like the following:

"Hello, my name is [your name] and I am a constituent of [your
senator/representative]. I live in [city, state]. I am calling to urge
[your senator/representative] to support language that would waive
waiting periods for SSDI payments and medicare benefits during this
national crisis. It’s no secret many Americans are losing their jobs
as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including those with
disabilities. As it currently stands, persons with disabilities wait
up to 5 months before their benefits begin and 24 months before they
are Medicare-eligible. To address this situation, the National
Federation of the Blind requests the following actions:

For individuals who qualify for Social Security Disability
Benefits—The requirement for an initial 5-month waiting period be
waived, effective March 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. This waiver
should be included in Section 223 of the Social Security Act.
Similarly, a waiver of the 24-month Medicare waiting period should be
included in Section 226 of the Social Security Act.

Thanks."

You can contact your member of Congress by calling the Capitol
Switchboard and asking for the office in question. The number is
202-224-3121. If you email your representative or senators, please
copy Stephanie Flynt at sflynt at nfb.org<mailto:sflynt at nfb.org>.

While Capitol Hill is physically closed, congressional staff are
telecommuting in order to fulfill their responsibilities. Rest assured
that your calls and emails continue to make a significant difference.

It is best to call or email the relevant staffer in your member of
Congress's office. If you need the name and email of the appropriate
staff person for any Senate or House office, please email Jesa Medders
at jmedders at nfb.org<mailto:jmedders at nfb.org>.

Stephanie Flynt
Government Affairs Specialist
National Federation of the Blind

P (410) 659-9314, Extension 2210
E: sflynt at nfb.org<mailto:sflynt at nfb.org>

www.nfb.org/advocacy<http://www.nfb.org/advocacy>

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-- 
SHANNON L. DILLON
Secretary and Legislative Coordinator
National Federation of the Blind
of California
The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and
friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind.
Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they
want.
www.nfbcal.org