There is some evidence that disabled beneficiaries "are more likely to experience multiple problems in managed care."

The Clinton Administration's new Medicare regulations will provide important consumer protections for 38 million elderly and disabled beneficiaries as more of them move into the managed-care system.

Plans have shown no hesitation in suing permanently disabled beneficiaries in an effort to seize the entire tort recovery intended for the beneficiary.

Edward L. Randolph Sr., 47, of Barnesville, Ohio, a disabled beneficiary, said his plan had told him that he would not have a premium.

Medicare H.M.O.'s have dropped 2.4 million elderly and disabled beneficiaries in the last five years, complaining that federal payments did not cover costs.

Many pensions also contain an additional insurance aspect, since they often will pay benefits to survivors or disabled beneficiaries.

The law offers prescription drug coverage to all 41 million elderly and disabled beneficiaries.

A trust for a disabled beneficiary may be set up in any of the common law countries or other countries which recognise the concept of the trust.

Most self-settled trusts holding the disabled beneficiary's own assets created after August 11, 1993 are countable resources for Medicaid.

Statutory Deadlines Imperiled He further warned: "Our ability to respond to the needs of 50 million aged and disabled beneficiaries will be seriously eroded.