An Analysis of Modifications to Social Security Laws Necessary to Increase Coverage of Disabled Individuals with Occupational Diseases

摘要

The report describes research related to the coverage, participation, and compensation of persons with occupational diseases under the Social Security Disability Insurance Program. The eligibility rules in the major disability compensation programs are reviewed and summarized. Data from the 1972 Social Security Survey of Health and Work Characteristics are used to construct a profile of the disabled population and an analysis of the determinants of severity, type, and work-relatedness of disabilities is performed. The pattern of benefits received in private and public programs is examined and related to the eligibility requirements. The characteristics of non-participants in major programs are examined to determine whether they met the eligibility requirements, had knowledge of the programs and had ever applied. Estimates were made of the number of eligible non-participants. Also undertaken were analyses of the adequacy of compensation for occupational disease cases and a study of the problems involved in the design of medical standards for disability compensation systems. The award process was also evaluated using a match of survey and program record data to determine the comparative success of occupational disease applicants in obtaining benefits. Finally, an analysis of the impact of changing eligibility rules in Social Security Disability Insurance upon eligibility and participation rates was conducted.