HR41: HR41 Congress; reduce waiting period for determination and approval of disability benefits for individuals living with lupus; urge

25 LC 60 0022 House Resolution 41 By: Representatives Schofield of the 63rd, Mathiak of the 82nd, Jackson of the 68th, Scott of the 76th, Davis of the 87th, and others A RESOLUTION Urging Congress to reduce the waiting period for determination and approval of disability1 benefits for individuals living with lupus; to ensure equitable access to essential disability2 benefits for such individuals; and for other purposes.3 WHEREAS, lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple systems in the body,4 often resulting in severe pain, fatigue, organ damage, and life-altering complications; and5 WHEREAS, the unpredictable and debilitating nature of lupus frequently impairs individuals'6 ability to maintain consistent employment, making disability be nefits a critical safety net;7 and8 WHEREAS, the current Social Security Disability Insurance and S upplemental Security9 Income approval processes often involve significant delays, exacerbating the financial and10 emotional strain on individuals living with lupus; and11 WHEREAS, individuals with lupus face unique challenges in documenting their condition12 due to the disease's complexity, variability, and often subjective symptoms, contributing to13 high rates of initial claim denials and prolonged appeals processes; and14 H. R. 41 - 1 - 25 LC 60 0022 WHEREAS, timely access to disability benefits is essential for individuals with lupus to15 afford medical care, medications, and basic living expenses necessary for their survival and16 well-being.17 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that18 this body urges Congress to prioritize reforms to the federal disability determination process19 to address the unique challenges faced by individuals living wi th lupus, including, but not20 limited to:21 (a) Expedited processing for claims involving lupus;22 (b) Improved education and training for disability claims examiners and adjudicators on23 lupus' medical complexities;24 (c) Development of clearer guidelines for evaluating lupus-rel ated disability claims to25 reduce inconsistencies and high denial rates; and26 (d) Increased funding for the Social Security Administration to improve claim processing27 times and resources for individuals with lupus.28 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Congress is urged to collaborate with medical experts,29 patient advocacy organizations, and community stakeholders to e nsure that lupus patients30 receive fair and timely access to the disability benefits they deserve.31 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized32 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the33 President of the United States Senate, to the Speaker of the Un ited States House of34 Representatives, and to each member of the Congressional delegation from this state.35 H. R. 41 - 2 -