Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s Disease Social Security Disability Parity Act

A bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives to expedite payment of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and eligibility for Medicare coverage for those with Huntington’s disease (HD). This inherited disorder causes brain cells to die, including those in areas of the brain that help control voluntary movement.

Huntington’s disease is a hereditary degenerative nervous system disorder that causes total physical and mental deterioration. Approximately 41,000 Americans are known to have HD.

Under the current Social Security Disability law, individuals found eligible for Social Security Disability benefits generally must wait five months after the onset of disability to begin receiving SSDI benefits, and then wait an additional 24 months to become eligible for Medicare. The proposed legislation, known as the Huntington’s Disease Parity Act, eliminates the five-month waiting period for SSDI benefits and the subsequent 24-month waiting period for Medicare.

The Huntington’s Disease Association has been working on this legislation for several years without success.

You should contact your congressman and ask them to join the fight against HD by supporting the HD Parity Act. Join us at Cavey Law in supporting the HD Parity Act.