[Ohio-Talk] Contact Your Senators and Representatives Now

Tue Apr 14 16:17:53 UTC 2020

Let’s do all that we can to help those who need Social Security and Medicare right now in the midst of this crisis.

Please see the below information from Stephanie Flynt and the relevant Ohio information, and take action immediately.

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>

Pam Thiessen is Senator Rob Portman’s legislative director. Her email is pam_thiessen at portman.senate.gov <mailto:pam_thiessen at portman.senate.gov>.
Jeremy Hekhuis is Senator Sherrod Brown’s legislative director. His email is jeremy_hekhuis at brown.senate.gov <mailto:jeremy_hekhuis at brown.senate.gov>.

Ohio 1st District – Steve Chabot
E.D. Harris is Rep. Chabot’s legislative director. His email is erick.harris at mail.house.gov <mailto:erick.harris at mail.house.gov>.

Ohio 2nd District – Brad Wenstrup
Alex Iglehart is Rep. Wenstrup’s legislative director. Their email alex.igleheart at mail.house.gov <mailto:alex.igleheart at mail.house.gov>.

Ohio 3rd District – Joyce Beatty
Nick Semanko is Rep. Beatty’s legislative director. His email is nicholas.semanko at mail.house.gov <mailto:nicholas.semanko at mail.house.gov>.

Ohio 4th District – Jim Jordan
Marshall Macheledt is Rep. Joran’s legislative correspondent. His email is marshall.macheledt at mail.house.gov <mailto:marshall.macheledt at mail.house.gov>.

Ohio 5th District - Bob Latta
Rachel Rathore is Rep. Latta’s legislative director. Her email is rachel.rathore at mail.house.gov <mailto:rachel.rathore at mail.house.gov>.

Ohio 6th District – Bill Johnson
David Straka is Rep. Johnson’s legislative correspondent. His email is david.straka at mail.house.gov <mailto:david.straka at mail.house.gov>.

Ohio 7th District – Bob Gibbs
Alex Briggs is Rep. Gibbs’s legislative director. Their email is alex.briggs at mail.house.gov <mailto:alex.briggs at mail.house.gov>.

Ohio 8th District – Warren Davidson
Matthew Silver is Rep. Davidson’s legislative director. His email is matthew.silver at mail.house.gov <mailto:matthew.silver at mail.house.gov>.

Ohio 9th District – Marcy Kaptur
Jenny Perrino is Rep. Kaptur’s legislative director. Her email is jenny.perrino at mail.house.gov <mailto:jenny.perrino at mail.house.gov>.

Ohio 10th District – Mike Turner
James Molina is Rep. Turner’s legislative correspondent. His email is james.molina at mail.house.gov <mailto:james.molina at mail.house.gov>.

Ohio 11th District – Marcia Fudge
Eyang Garrison is Rep. Fudge’s legislative director. Their email is eyang.garrison at mail.house.gov <mailto:eyang.garrison at mail.house.gov>.

Ohio 12th District – Troy Balderson
Brittany Madni is the Rep. Balderson’s legislative director. Her email is madni at mail.house.gov <mailto:madni at mail.house.gov>.

Ohio 13th District – Tim Ryan
Rachel Jenkins is Rep. Ryan’s legislative director. Her email is rachel.jenkins at mail.house.gov <mailto:rachel.jenkins at mail.house.gov>.

Ohio 14th District – Dave Joyce
Amanda Shaw Kaine is Rep. Joyce’s legislative director. Her email is amanda.shawkain at mail.house.gov <mailto:amanda.shawkain at mail.house.gov>.

Ohio 15th District – Steve Stivers
Drew Hatter is Rep. Stiver’s legislative correspondent. His email is drew.hatter at mail.house.gov <mailto:drew.hatter at mail.house.gov>.

Ohio 16th District – Anthony Gonzalez
Stephen Hostelley is Rep. Gonzalez’s legislative director. His email is stephen.hostelley at mail.house.gov <mailto:stephen.hostelley at mail.house.gov>.

Eric