Medicare Appeals Move From Social Security to HHS; Video Conferences To Streamline Process

Consumers protected by Medicare who appeal decisions can participate in a streamlined process that has a goal of resolving issues within 90 days as the function moves from the Social Security Administration (SSA) to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). HHS is the government agency that oversees Medicare. HHS reported earlier this month that it has created an Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals for this program.

The change, which was mandated by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, took effect July 1.

"As HHS assumes responsibility for handling Medicare hearings, we are committed to making the appeals process better, faster and more convenient for seniors and other people with Medicare," HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said. "Our goal is to eliminate the need for an aged or disabled beneficiary to travel if other resources are available closer to home."

To reach its goal, the government agency said it would begin using video conference technology in more than 1,000 sites nationwide

posted by Consumer Help Web Editorial Team at 12:39 PM |