Analyzing Gaps in Health Coverage for the Recently Disabled
Award Amount:
$134,799
Approval Date:
July 10, 2007
Start Date:
October 1, 2007
End Date:
September 30, 2008
Mathematica Policy Research
600 Maryland Ave. SW, Suite 550
Washington, Dist. of Columbia 20024
Principal Investigator:
Gina Livermore, Ph.D., and David C. Stapleton, Ph.D.
For Americans who have recently become disabled, gaining access to health insurance coverage, including Medicare, remains an uphill battle. This study will use new data on individuals applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to assess the strengths, limitations, and costs of eliminating Medicare's two-year waiting period. It will also consider possible reforms that could help the disabled obtain affordable coverage and access to care. The project team will analyze coverage, access, health care utilization, and mortality rates among SSDI applicants in the following periods: before they apply for benefits, during the disability determination process, and after the application is allowed or denied. The findings will also focus on the status of SSDI applicants whose applications are denied but are nonetheless unable to work—and who frequently fall through the cracks of the health care safety net.