Social Security Legislative Bulletin

Number: 111-11
Date: February 12, 2009

On February 10, 2009, the Senate passed H.R. 1 by a vote of 61-37, and asked for a conference to reconcile differences with the House-passed bill (see Legislative Bulletin 111-6 ). The Conference Committee deliberated on February 11th .

The bill includes provisions from the Senate Finance Committee-reported bill as described in Legislative Bulletin 111-5 . In addition, the bill includes provisions reported by the Senate Appropriations Committee, and it also revised the Special Disability Workload provision (as reported in the Senate Finance Committee bill). Descriptions of the additions and revisions follow:

Supplemental Appropriations

•  Would appropriate an additional $890,000,000 for the SSA's LAE to be allocated as follows:

•  $750 million would be available, until expended, for the replacement of the National Computer Center and associated information technology costs. Any unused funds not needed for this purpose may be used as described in the following section; and,

•  $140 million (available through September 30, 2010) for information technology initiatives that can be undertaken immediately, which may include research and activities to facilitate the adoption of electronic medical records in disability claims, and the transfer of funds to carry out activities under section 1110 of the Social Security Act relating to Supplemental Security Income demonstration and research projects.

•  Would appropriate $3 million to SSA's Inspector General for oversight and audits of programs, projects, and activities funded by the legislation.

Special Disability Workload (SDW)

• Would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Social Security, to work with the States to reach agreement on a Federal payment for States with Medicare liability due to the SDW.

• Would appropriate a maximum of $3 billion (from general revenue funds) for reimbursement to the States. Those States agreeing to a payment would be required to accept such amount as a full settlement for Medicaid expenses that should have been paid by Medicare, releasing the Federal Government from any additional liability.

• Would require details of the agreement to be determined within 90 days following enactment of the legislation, with all payments to States being made within the next 30 days following.

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