Georgia General Assembly · Full text

HR 41: Congress; reduce waiting period for determination and approval of disability benefits for individuals living with lupus; urge

Introduced version, the latest LegiScan holds · Last action January 28, 2025 · Introduced

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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 disability benefits for individuals living with lupus; to ensure equitable access to essential disability benefits for such individuals; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple systems in the body, often resulting in severe pain, fatigue, organ damage, and life-altering complications; and

WHEREAS, the unpredictable and debilitating nature of lupus frequently impairs individuals' ability to maintain consistent employment, making disability benefits a critical safety net; and

WHEREAS, the current Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income approval processes often involve significant delays, exacerbating the financial and emotional strain on individuals living with lupus; and

WHEREAS, individuals with lupus face unique challenges in documenting their condition due to the disease's complexity, variability, and often subjective symptoms, contributing to high rates of initial claim denials and prolonged appeals processes; and

WHEREAS, timely access to disability benefits is essential for individuals with lupus to afford medical care, medications, and basic living expenses necessary for their survival and well-being.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that this body urges Congress to prioritize reforms to the federal disability determination process to address the unique challenges faced by individuals living with lupus, including, but not limited to:

(a) Expedited processing for claims involving lupus;

(b) Improved education and training for disability claims examiners and adjudicators on lupus' medical complexities;

(c) Development of clearer guidelines for evaluating lupus-related disability claims to reduce inconsistencies and high denial rates; and

(d) Increased funding for the Social Security Administration to improve claim processing times and resources for individuals with lupus.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Congress is urged to collaborate with medical experts, patient advocacy organizations, and community stakeholders to ensure that lupus patients receive fair and timely access to the disability benefits they deserve. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the President of the United States Senate, to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and to each member of the Congressional delegation from this state.