We realize it may be a stretch for ordinary people to want to keep up with the comings and goings of the Social Security Administration, but sometimes circumstances permit where someone does want to follow the latest news regarding the agency due to a possible retirement or disability interest. This blog is an ongoing piecemeal of recent stories that have involved Social Security. Some are tidbits and some are important things that should be known in the world of retirement or disability and others are just interesting stories and nothing more.
The Medicare Mess
Earlier this month National Public Radio reported on a Social Security “processing error” affecting up to 250,000 beneficiaries where Social Security neglected to deduct Medicare premiums for up to five months from Social Security payments and the bills are now due. According to NPR, reports that those affected must find the money to pay back premiums or run the risk of having their plans cancelled, all due to Social Security’s error.
The following excerpt from the story showing that Social Security is not explaining how the error occurred and has not responded to inquiries from Congress.
“But neither agency would explain how the error occurred or provide a more exact number or the names of the plans that were shortchanged. The amount the plans are owed also wasn’t disclosed. A notice to beneficiaries on Medicare’s website lacks key details. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., who chairs the Ways and Means Committee, and two colleagues wrote to both agencies about the problem on May 22 but have not received a response from Medicare. Social Security’s response referred most questions to Medicare officials.”
Congressman Launches Inquiry Into DDS Decisions
U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-Conn., who is the chair of the Ways and Means Subcommittee has requested an investigation into doctors being hired at state agencies to review disability applications and appeals because of the fast-paced process in which denials were being issued. The following is a report recently issued by the Tennessean.
In Tennessee, an investigation revealed some doctors were racing through applications submitted by people seeking to prove they are too sick or injured to work. Paid by the case, doctors were reviewing up to five application files per hour. Experts said such speedy review of applications, which can contain thousands of pages of medical records, isn’t plausible. Lawmakers in Tennessee have already called for an investigation. When the NETWORK requested data from the Social Security Administration to examine the performance of doctors in every state, the agency presented a $2.3 million estimate to provide those public records.
In Tennessee, doctors who review applications are all on contract, paid a flat fee ranging from $30 to $47 per case. Some physicians were billing upwards of $400,000 each year. Larson is requesting the GAO examine how widespread the practice of paying contract doctors is among states, and report on how much doctors are compensated. He is also asking the GAO to report on what qualifications and performance measures are required of these physicians. Larson has also requested an analysis of the quality of disability decisions.
