Final Report of SSI Experts

 

In 1990, SSA Commissioner Gwendolyn King commissioned the formation of a panel of experts to study the SSI program and make recommendations for its modernization. The panel of 21 experts was headed by former Secretary of HEW Arthur Flemming. Throughout 1990-1992 the group held public forums and studied background reports on the SSI program. An Issues Paper published in the Federal Register in 1991 solicited over 14,500 comments from the public--a record level of comments.

The Final Report of the experts, reproduced below in full, was issued in August 1992. In March 1994 the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing on the Report, but no legislative action was ever taken on its major recommendations.

"Supplemental Security Income Modernization Project:
Final Report of the Experts"
(August 1992)
(All files in Adobe PDF format)

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER I. PROGRAM BACKGROUND AND THE EXPERTS' FINDINGS AND PRIORITIES

CHAPTER II. BENEFIT PAYMENT ISSUES--INCLUDING PROPOSED INCREASES IN THE FEDERAL INCOME FLOOR

CHAPTER III. NEEDS-BASED ISSUES--INCLUDING THE ELIMINATION OF IN-KIND SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE AND RAISING THE RESOURCES LIMITS WHILE STREAMLINING THE EXCLUSIONS

CHAPTER IV. DISABILITY & WORK INCENTIVES

CHAPTER V. DEFINITION OF "AGED" ISSUE

CHAPTER VI. AGENCY SERVICES ISSUES--INCLUDING ADDITIONAL STAFFING TO FULFILL THE PROMISE TO SERVE THE NEEDY

CHAPTER VII. LINKAGE OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME PROGRAM TO MEDICAID AND THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM

CHAPTER VIII. PROGRAM REVIEW ISSUES

ADDITIONAL VIEWS

SUMMARY OF OPTIONS PREFERRED BY A MAJORITY OF EXPERTS WITH COST ESTIMATES 

 

  

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