The Stop the Wait Act phases out the 5-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits by 2030 and eliminates the 24-month Medicare waiting period for disabled individuals who cannot afford health insurance. Medicare eligibility would be retroactive to when disability benefits begin for those whose insurance costs exceed a specified percentage of household income.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
The Stop the Wait Act phases out the 5-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits by 2030 and eliminates the 24-month Medicare waiting period for disabled individuals who cannot afford health insurance. Medicare eligibility would be retroactive to when disability benefits begin for those whose insurance costs exceed a specified percentage of household income.
Last updated: 1/4/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Stop the Wait Act of 2025</strong></p><p>This bill phases out the initial waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and eliminates the waiting period for certain disabled individuals to become eligible for Medicare. </p><p>Under current law, individuals generally must wait five months after the onset of disability to begin receiving SSDI benefits. The bill would gradually reduce this waiting period before eliminating it entirely in the year 2030. </p><p>Further, the bill would eliminate the 24-month waiting period for certain disabled workers and other individuals to become eligible for Medicare. Under current law, individuals under the age of 65 may generally enroll in Medicare after they have been eligible for SSDI or Social Security child’s, widow’s, or widower’s benefits by reason of disability for 24 months. The bill would eliminate this waiting period for individuals for whom the annual cost of certain medical insurance would exceed a specified percentage of their household income (i.e., those who cannot afford minimum essential coverage). Medicare eligibility for these individuals must be available retroactively to the first month that an individual qualified for SSDI or Social Security child’s, widow’s, or widower’s benefits by reason of disability. </p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Phases out 5-month SSDI waiting period by 2030
Eliminates 24-month Medicare waiting period for some
Targets those who cannot afford health insurance
Retroactive Medicare eligibility for qualifying disabled
Addresses gap in coverage for newly disabled
Reduces financial hardship during disability onset
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Many disabled individuals face severe financial hardship during the five months waiting for SSDI and two years waiting for Medicare. This bill recognizes that people cannot wait to pay bills or receive healthcare. The gradual phase-out allows Social Security to adjust, while the Medicare provision specifically helps those who cannot afford private insurance during the gap. This could significantly reduce medical debt and financial devastation for newly disabled Americans.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Social Welfare
Related Subjects
Disability assistance
Health care coverage and access
Medicare
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
930, 119th Congress (2025). "Stop the Wait Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-930
