The American Disability Insurance Program

Abstract

This paper's main focus is on the American Disability Insurance law. It begins with an outline of the debate that led up to the passing of the original legislation. The paper then examines the law more closely and depicts the changes the law has undergone in the last 50+ years. Next, the current disability benefits process is depicted and questions are posed about inherent difficulties in the disability insurance program. The paper then examines the challenges mental disability causes for the disability insurance program, using a case study of bipolar disorder. Disability insurance programs abroad are next explored with a focus on how other countries have dealt with the problems the United States is facing in its own program. The paper concludes with an examination of the future prospects of the American Disability Insurance program; suggestions are made regarding useful changes to the law.