Social Security Updates 13 New Medical Conditions for Faster Benefits Processing
When an applicant's condition is mentioned on the list, SSA flags the application to expedite the review process. In certain cases, medical records may be obtained electronically, cutting down processing times even further.
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USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
Social Security Administration adds 13 more conditions to expedited benefits list
The Social Security Administration has added 13 new diseases and conditions to its list of disabilities, which earn those suffering serious medical issues a faster benefits application process. Those applying for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income who have conditions on the Compassionate Allowances list, or CAL, have their applications processed more quickly, the agency says. Since the program started in 2008, more than 1.1 million people with severe disabilities have been approved via the expedited process, the SSA said in a news release dated Aug. 11. 'We are constantly looking for ways to improve our disability programs and serve the public more effectively,' said SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano in the news release. "This is part of our broader commitment to making the disability determination process as responsive and compassionate as possible.' Social Security: 2026 COLA estimated at 2.7%. Why seniors still fall behind. Social Security Administration's list of conditions for expedited benefits applications The addition of the 13 conditions brings the Compassionate Allowances list to 300 serious diseases and conditions that warrant an expedited benefits process. Here are the new conditions added: "By adding these 13 conditions to the Compassionate Allowances list, we are helping more people with devastating diagnoses to quickly receive the support they need," Bisignano said. Who can apply for Social Security disability benefits? People who have been unable to work for a year (12 consecutive months) or more because of a disability can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance, the SSA says. Those whose disabilities are on the Compassionate Allowances list, will have their applications processed more quickly. Typically, SSDI applicants have a 5-month waiting period before payments begin in the sixth month after the agency approved an applicant's disability. Supplemental Security Income provides benefits for those with limited income or resources, those aged 65 or older and those who are blind or have a qualifying disability. Children with a qualifying disability can also get SSI, according to the agency's website. Applicants typically wait six to eight months for an initial decision after submitting their application, federal officials says. During the process of determining whether to approve benefits, the SSA must get applicants' medical records. In the case of CAL applicants, the agency will attempt to use technological means including electronic medical records to more quickly process the claim. "The CAL initiative acts as a fast-track to those benefits for individuals who need them most," reported financial news site Investopedia. Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X, and email him at mikegsnider & @ & @mikesnider & msnider@ What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day
Business Wire
10 hours ago
- Business Wire
Anthem Blue Cross Commercial and Exchange Health Plans Awarded NCQA Health Equity Accreditation in California
WOODLAND HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Anthem Blue Cross is pleased to announce its Commercial and Covered California (Exchange) health plans in California have been awarded full Health Equity Accreditation by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) through July 28, 2028. This nationally recognized accreditation is granted to organizations demonstrating leadership in closing health outcome gaps and providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services that promote equitable care across diverse populations. 'We are deeply grateful to NCQA for this accreditation—it's a powerful affirmation of our unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, whole-person care to our California health plan members,' said Beth Andersen, President, Anthem Blue Cross Commercial Health Plans. 'This recognition underscores our dedication to meeting the needs of every member and driving fair and inclusive healthcare for every community across the state.' The accreditation applies to the following Anthem Blue Cross product lines in California: Commercial HMO/POS (Combined) Commercial PPO/EPO (Combined) Covered California Exchange EPO Covered California Exchange HMO NCQA's Health Equity Accreditation provides a trusted benchmark for consumers, regulators, and purchasers, identifying organizations that meet rigorous standards in addressing the needs of varied communities. Key components of the accreditation standards include: Fostering an internal culture that supports external efforts focused on improving access to care and wellbeing for every community. Collecting and using data to improve language services and provider network accessibility. Identifying and acting on opportunities to improve care quality for all populations and close health outcome gaps. 'Earning Health Equity Accreditation shows that an organization is making a breakthrough in providing excellent health care to all populations. I congratulate any organization that achieves this level of distinction,' said NCQA President Margaret E. O'Kane. 'Eliminating disparities in health care is essential to improving the quality of care overall.' This latest accreditation builds upon our commitment to improving health outcomes as Anthem's California Medi-Cal plan received NCQA's Health Equity Accreditation and Health Equity PLUS Accreditation in 2022 and 2023, respectively. With this achievement, all Anthem health plans in California—across Commercial, Medi-Cal, and Medicare lines of business—now hold NCQA Health Equity Accreditation. About Anthem Blue Cross As a long-time trusted health partner, Anthem Blue Cross has been providing high-quality, affordable health care for Californians for more than 86 years. Anthem Blue Cross is the trade name of Blue Cross of California. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Elevance Health, Inc. Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Association. To learn more, visit Also, follow us on LinkedIn, X or Facebook.
Epoch Times
a day ago
- Epoch Times
Social Security Updates 13 New Medical Conditions for Faster Benefits Processing
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has updated its Compassionate Allowances (CAL) list of severe disabilities to include 13 new medical conditions, allowing people with these illnesses to secure disability benefits faster, the agency said in an Aug. 11 statement. When an applicant's condition is mentioned on the list, SSA flags the application to expedite the review process. In certain cases, medical records may be obtained electronically, cutting down processing times even further.
