H.R. 6259, The Huntington's Disease Parity Act of 2008

• This item is from the 110th Congress (2007-2008) and is no longer current. Comments, voting, and wiki editing have been disabled, and the cost/savings estimate has been frozen.

Version saved on August 1, 2008, 14:48:59, by roto1:

H.R. 6259 would require the Commissioner of Social Security to revise the medical criteria for evaluating disability in a person diagnosed with Huntington's Disease and to waive the 24-month waiting period for Medicare eligibility for individuals disabled by Huntington's Disease.

Detailed Summary

Huntington's Disease Parity Act of 2008 - Directs the Commissioner of Social Security to revise the medical criteria for evaluating disability caused by adult-onset and juvenile Huntington's Disease.

Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the 24-month waiting period for Medicare eligibility for individuals disabled by Huntington's Disease.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 6/17/2008: Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Points in Favor

Patients who suffer from Huntington's Disease lose the ability to walk,talk and reason. It effects individuals ranging in ages from 2-70. Typical onset occurs between ages 40-50. H.R. 6259 will help thousands of families. The 24 month waiting period for health insurance is a death sentence for Huntington's Disease Patients. HD progresses quicker than Parkinsons or Alzheimers. Patients are having to leave spouses and break up families to qualify for SSI. These are taxpaying citizens that have paid into the SSA system and are facing obscene amounts of hurdles. How can you keep an appointment you are unable to remember.

Points Against

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