Health Benefits for the Uninsured: Design and Early Implementation of the Accelerated Benefits Demonstration

The goal of the Accelerated Benefits Demonstration is to assess the efficacy of providing newly awarded SSDI beneficiaries who have no health coverage with immediate access to health benefits. With earlier access, beneficiaries may experience better health outcomes, increase their likelihood of returning to work, and reduce long-term dependence on SSDI benefits. This brief provides an overview of the project, describes findings from the initial phase of enrollment from October and November 2007, and reviews plans for full implementation.