Clinton Signs Disabled Workers Law

Dec. 21, 1999
The new act will allow millions of disabled Americans to keep their government-funded health coverage when they take a job.

On Friday, President Clinton signed a law allowing millions of disabled Americans to retain their government-funded health coverage when they take a job.

The Ticket to Work and Work Incentive Improvement Act of 1999 will "modernize the employment services system for people with disabilities, and extend tax provisions for working families, education, the environment, and scientific research," according to a White House statement.

At a signing ceremony at the monument to FDR in Washington, D.C., Clinton called attention to the statue of Franklin Delano Roosevelt sitting in a wheelchair with a cloak around his legs.

"In his time ... Roosevelt felt he needed to keep his wheelchair from public view," Clinton said. "Most people believed being disabled meant being unable, though he proved them wrong every day."

Fear of losing Medicare and Medicaid benefits is a major barrier keeping disabled people from seeking employment. Some 9 million disabled adults receive Medicare and Medicaid. It is not known how many of them might make use of the law's provisions.

The act will attempt to break down the barriers for the millions of Americans who are disabled by:

  • creating new options and incentives for states to offer a Medicaid buy-in for workers with disabilities;
  • extending Medicare coverage for an additional 4 1/2 years for people on disability insurance who return to work;
  • creating a $250 million Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people whose disability is not yet so severe that they cannot work; and
  • enhancing employment-related services for people with disabilities.
About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

Sponsored Recommendations

Navigating ESG Risk in Your Supply Chain

Sept. 26, 2024
Discover the role of ESG in supply chains, from reducing carbon footprints to complying with new regulations and enhancing long-term business value.

Understanding ESG Risks in the Supply Chain

Sept. 26, 2024
Understand the critical role of ESG in supply chains, the risks for hiring companies, and the competitive edge suppliers gain by prioritizing sustainability.

Best Practices for Managing Subcontractor Risk

Sept. 26, 2024
Discover how to effectively manage subcontractor risk with unified strategies, enhanced oversight, and clear communication for consistent safety and compliance.

Building a Culture of Support: Suicide Prevention and Mental Health in the Workplace

Sept. 26, 2024
Find best practices for setting up an organizational culture that promotes positive mental health and suicide prevention.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!