[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 3, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1186-S1187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999

 Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I rise today in support of 
legislation introduced last week by Senators Jeffords, Kennedy, Roth, 
and Moynihan. I commend my colleagues for their dedication to improving 
the way federal programs serve persons with disabilities. Continuing my 
support for this effort from last Congress, I am glad to announce that 
I joined my colleagues as an original co-sponsor this year of S. 331, 
The Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999.
  This bill addresses one of the great tragedies of our current 
disability system, a system that forces many people with disabilities 
to choose between working and maintaining access to necessary health 
benefits. This was never the intention of these programs. It is 
critical that we act now to overturn today's policies of disincentives 
towards work and replace them with thoughtful, targeted incentives that 
will enable many individuals with disabilities to return to work.
  Over the years I have heard from Iowans who have been forced to leave 
the work force because of a disability. While they remain disabled and 
still require ongoing health benefits, they are eager to return to 
work. However, because of the risk of losing critical health benefits 
covered by Medicare and Medicaid, too many capable individuals are 
deterred from entering or re-entering the work force.
  It is essential that our public disability programs encourage, not 
discourage, employment. This legislation tackles the risks and 
uncertainties disabled individuals face when trying to return to work. 
For individuals eligible for the Supplemental Security Income

[[Page S1187]]

(SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs, this 
legislation provides for continued coverage of critical benefits under 
the Medicaid program, such as personal assistance and prescription 
drugs. These services are vital to many people with disabilities. 
Furthermore, this proposal would provide beneficiaries with 
unprecedented access to private rehabilitation services. Currently, the 
Social Security Administration is unable to refer many beneficiaries 
for rehabilitation. This legislation would create opportunities for 
beneficiaries of both the SSI and SSDI programs to access 
rehabilitation services from either the public or private sector, 
increasing choice, access and quality of these valuable services.
  The most encouraging component of this legislative proposal is that 
which eliminates work disincentives and facilitates self-sufficiency 
among those with disabilities. This legislation prohibits using work 
activity as the only basis for triggering a continuing disability 
review. What's more, the proposal would expedite the process of 
eligibility determinations for individuals who have been on disability 
insurance but who lost it because they were working.
  The risk of losing health care benefits provided through the Medicare 
and Medicaid programs is a major disincentive for millions of 
beneficiaries who want to be a part of our nation's dynamic workforce. 
The intent of these programs was never to demoralize or dishearten 
Americans who are ready, willing and able to work. I look forward to 
the passage of this legislation which will unlock the doors to 
employment for these invaluable citizens.

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