How the Omnibus Bill Could Impact Your Disability Benefits

Omnibus. It sounds ominous, right? But it makes sense. Derived from Latin and meaning “for everything,” the $1.3 trillion omnibus spending bill covers everything from border walls to baseball. Approved by congress and signed by President Trump in March, the omnibus bill (officially known as the Consolidations Appropriations Act) still left many wondering if and how it may impact Social Security Administration disability payments.

Thankfully, it’s all good news! In fact, many programs are poised to benefit from the bill.

Omnibus welcomes in much needed funds for the SSA—$480 million to be exact. The administration has operated for years with major staff shortages and multiple backlogs of disability claims. The omnibus bill increase ($100 million of which will go specifically to backlogs) aims to set things right.

The omnibus bill also has significant impacts on the following programs.

• The Development Disabilities Act. A program designed to encourage integration and inclusion for those with special needs received a 20 percent increase in funding.
• The Lifespan Respite Care Act. Caring for a loved one with special needs can be challenging, and can cause physical, psychological, and financial stress to the caregiver. Understanding the need to assist all respite caregivers, especially the financially-challenged, resulted in a 22 percent boost in federal funding.
• The National Family Caregiver Support Program. An initiative designed specifically to those caring for someone aged 60 or older (and providing for those with Alzheimer’s Disease regardless of age) received a 20 percent increase in funding.

What about Medicare and Medicaid?

Simply put: these programs are not affected; funding remains the same.

Have concerns?

Despite the benefits of the omnibus bill, Disability Experts of Florida remains vigilant to ensure that there are no negative consequences to individuals receiving Medicare, Medicaid, or SSDI benefits.

If you feel you’ve been denied or financially impacted unfairly by omnibus, or for any other reason, contact the caring professionals at Disability Experts of Florida. We will work with you to ensure you receive what is entitled to you.