"Social Security Commissioner Martin O'Malley said 30,000 people died in 2023 while their applications for disability benefits were grinding through the system."
I have no doubt those folks died before getting approved for SSD, however, SSD is not a magic potion that prevents you from dying; it's function is to repay you funds that you paid into SS to assist you with everyday expenses. (You of course receive more $$ with SSD than regular SS benefits) In other words, it's not medical insurance, for that you would need to apply for Medicaid, assuming you can't afford to purchase a medical plan on your own, or take Medicare if you qualify.
People don't die BECAUSE they're waiting to be approved for SSD, anymore than they would if they were waiting for anything else. Once you receive your SSD benefits you still need medical insurance until you qualify for Medicare.
Take me for example. I began receiving SSD a few months ago, but I still have to have a medical plan because I'm not old enough to get Medicare for a couple more years. Hope this clears it up a little.