,,,Health Benefits for the Uninsured: Design and Early Implementation of the Accelerated Benefits Demonstration

Health Benefits for the Uninsured: Design and Early Implementation of the Accelerated Benefits Demonstration


 

Publication Date: September 2008

Publisher: MDRC (Organization)

Author(s): David Whittenburg; Peter Baird; Lisa Schwartz; David Butler

Research Area: Health

Keywords: Health care; Uninsured; Social Security

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

Many Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries have serious and immediate health care needs, but, under current law, most are not eligible for Medicare until 24 months after they start receiving cash benefits. This policy brief describes a new project that is testing whether providing earlier access to health benefits, as well as other services, for new SSDI beneficiaries who have no other health insurance improves employment and health outcomes.