[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 16 (Wednesday, February 23, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
       SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION ACT OF 1994

  Mrs. KASSEBAUM. Mr. President, I am pleased to cosponsor legislation 
aimed at reforming the Social Security disability payment system for 
disabled substance abusers. This initiative, introduced by Senator 
Cohen, addresses the problem of recipients using their disability 
payments to finance their addictions and, in the process, to worsen 
their disability.
  I support all provisions of the bill, especially important provisions 
expanding to Social Security disability income [SSDI] the current 
supplemental security income [SSI] mandatory treatment and 
representative payee requirements. To improve accountability for the 
proper use of disability funds, a representative payee would be a 
licensed agency or comparable facility. Representative payees would no 
longer be a friend or relative of the recipient, as such persons, in 
the past, have channeled payments directly to the recipient for 
purchase of drugs and alcohol.
  In addition, beneficiaries would no longer receive a lump-sum 
retroactive payment. Rather, this money would be placed in a managed 
trust to protect the individual from using it to acquire drugs or 
alcohol. Finally, the Social Security Administration would be required 
to expand the number of referral monitoring agencies so that each State 
is able to monitor the appropriate distribution of disability funds and 
the recipient's compliance with treatment.
  I am pleased that Senator Cohen has incorporated two suggestions I 
put forward to secure adequate treatment. Perhaps most important is 
that treatment priority be given to those disabled by addiction. Such 
treatment would be provided through the Federal Substance Abuse Block 
Grant Program. Additionally, individuals would receive treatment in 
private facilities using their existing Medicaid entitlements where 
feasible. I believe it is important to give priority to substance 
abusers who receive benefits so that they can be restored to functional 
capacity as quickly as possible and thereby reduce drain on the SSA 
disability system.
  Also included is a revision of the certification procedure for 
disabled substance abusers. Currently, recipients may collect payments 
indefinitely because their disability status often is never reviewed. 
Under this provision, these individuals would have to reapply for 
disability every 2 years, which corresponds to the average treatment 
period. Last, those disabled by substance addiction would receive SSI 
and SSDI payments for a cumulative total of 3 years, during which 
period they would be expected to be under treatment. After 3 years, 
recipients who have not responded to treatment could qualify for 
continued care and benefits if they were diagnosed with a different 
mental illness.
  I am aware that the block grant system does not have adequate 
treatment capacity at this time. Although this legislation does not 
create treatment slots, it does initiate a process to ensure eventual 
treatment. Individuals would be enrolled in treatment or be on a 
treatment waiting list as a condition of receiving disability benefits.
  Mr. President, reforming SSI and SSDI payment systems is vital to the 
needs of individuals disabled by addiction. Guaranteeing the 
appropriate use of benefits, while assuring that needed treatment is 
sought, is key if individuals are to work toward overcoming their 
disability.
  I welcome any suggestions my colleagues or others may have for 
improving these proposals.
  (At the request of Mr. Reid, the following statement was ordered to 
be printed in the Record at this point:)

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