Stop the Wait Act of 2026

Elimination of the Disability Waiting Period: Section 2 amends the Social Security Act to completely eliminate the waiting period for disability insurance benefits, taking effect on January 1, 2031. This change is positive because individuals with disabilities will no longer have to wait to receive the benefits they are entitled to.

Phase-Down of the Waiting Period: Section 2(b) creates a phase-down of the waiting period for disability insurance benefits for applications filed on or after the enactment date and before January 1, 2031. This is positive because it progressively shortens the time individuals have to wait for benefits over the next few years rather than making them wait until 2031.

Elimination of the Medicare Waiting Period: Section 3(a) amends section 226 of the Social Security Act by adding a new subsection (j) that eliminates the 24-month waiting period for Medicare benefits for certain eligible individuals under the age of 65 without minimum essential coverage. This is positive because eligible individuals can receive their Medicare benefits and status retroactively to the first month instead of waiting 24 months.

Special Enrollment Periods for Medicare: Section 3(b) amends section 1837 of the Social Security Act by adding a new subsection (p) to establish special enrollment periods for certain eligible individuals. This is positive because it gives individuals a specific timeframe, such as an initial enrollment period beginning on the first day of the first month, to sign up for coverage they might have otherwise missed out on during a waiting period.