As the impact of long COVID continues to affect millions of Americans, several U.S. senators have taken action to address the challenges faced by individuals seeking disability benefits. Senators Tim Kaine, Ed Markey, Tammy Duckworth, Bernie Sanders, Tina Smith, Angus King, and Richard Blumenthal have called on the Social Security Administration (SSA) to make the process of accessing disability benefits easier for those with long COVID. This move has been welcomed by disability rights advocates and patients who have been struggling to navigate the system.
Long COVID is a chronic health condition that can include symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath following a COVID-19 infection. According to a KFF analysis, about three in 10 American adults have experienced long COVID at some point, with approximately 17 million people affected as of March 2024. Recognizing the debilitating nature of these symptoms, the senators emphasized the need for the SSA to streamline the application process, track and publish data on long COVID applications, and consider expanding the listing of impairments considered in benefit applications.
The economic impact of long COVID is also a significant concern. Researchers and economists are still assessing the full extent of the impact on the workforce, with studies indicating that COVID-19 has led to a decrease in the labor force and a loss of earnings for affected individuals. More than 25% of people with long COVID have reported that their condition has affected their employment or work hours, highlighting the need for support and assistance in accessing disability benefits.
Advocates such as Lisa McCorkell, co-founder of the Patient-Led Research Collaborative, have emphasized the importance of creating specific guidelines for documenting long COVID and its associated impairments. This would not only assist physicians in understanding and diagnosing the condition but also provide clarity for individuals seeking disability benefits. Additionally, restoring the treating physician rule, which gives greater weight to medical evidence from a patient’s long-term doctor, could significantly benefit applicants.
Marissa Ditkowsky, disability economic justice counsel at the National Partnership for Women & Families, stressed the need for improved access to healthcare, employment, and equitable wages for individuals with long COVID and other disabilities. She highlighted the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on marginalized communities and the importance of prevention strategies to reduce the spread of the virus.
Looking ahead, advocates like Mia Ives-Rublee from the Center for American Progress see an opportunity for the Biden administration or the next administration to revamp the SSA’s disability benefits administration. With an aging population and increasing disability rates among younger individuals, there is a growing need for significant improvements to the application process and increased funding for the agency. By addressing these challenges and implementing reforms, the SSA can better support individuals with long COVID and other disabilities in accessing the benefits they need to thrive.