Rep. Jason Crow Stands with ALS Families and the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act
Press Release
Following bipartisan support and passage in both the House and Senate, ALS Caucus Co-Chair and Co-Founder Rep. Jason Crow celebrated the passage of the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act. The ALS Association endorsed bill would eliminate a five-month waiting period on Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits for people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
"Today is a historic day for ALS families. We are now one step closer to overturning a rule that has left too many individuals and families living with ALS without a means to financially support themselves as a disease attacks the life and health of their loved one," said Crow. "We must never forget that ALS affects individuals and families alike. As Congressman, I promise to continue to fight for families for whom ALS is their current reality."
In June 2019, Crow--joined by Reps. Ken Calvert (CA-42), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Terri Sewell (AL-07)--launched the bipartisan ALS Caucus to unite members of Congress to share experiences, exchange ideas, and work collaboratively to find a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The ALS Caucus seeks to raise awareness about the challenges faced by ALS patients and their families, think creatively about policy solutions to reduce the negative impacts of ALS, and invest in groundbreaking research to end ALS.
"We commend the House of Representatives and the Senate for passing the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act. We urge President Trump to sign the bill immediately, which will waive the arbitrary five-month wait for Social Security Disability benefits for people living with ALS. The bill will provide important support to people living with ALS and their families who face a devastating disease with an average life span of two to five years after diagnosis," said Calaneet Balas, President and CEO of The ALS Association. "This achievement is thanks to years of advocacy by people with ALS -- some of whom have passed -- and their families and supporters who worked hard to help Congress understand the need for this bill."
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