Noteboom The Law Firm

Tennessee Social Security Recipients Angered

If you do not reside in Tennessee and get Social Security checks, consider yourself lucky. Recipients in the area recently had to deal with an unexpected cut in their checks, causing many to forego grocery shopping and getting medications.

According to WSMV.com, approximately 100,000 people were affected by the unexpected loss of income. For most, it equaled about $300, and the issue occurred when TennCare decided that some recipients were no longer eligible to have their Medicare premiums paid for.

While the loss of benefits might have made sense for some, what many were angered about was the very short notice. Letters notifying them of the loss of eligibility were sent out just one to three weeks before the termination. Though even three weeks is not enough notice for many to begin with, those receiving the letter just a week before the loss were particularly put out.

Technically, the loss of money was indirect. Simply put, many did not have enough notice to cancel their Medicare coverage, since they would no longer be paid for by TennCare. Thus, money for the premiums came out of their check. Most people had the benefits cut in July, and since they did not get a letter until at least September, they are responsible for premiums for August and September.

Clearly, this issue has inconvenienced a number of people. The recipients of government care often do not have excess money sitting around, so they have to choose between paying their bills and buying groceries. On top of that, they also will likely have to look for other ways to get affordable healthcare coverage, unless they appeal the denial.

Recipients of this raw deal have the option of contacting a lawyer to find out their options. If you are ever in a similar situation, so do you.

If you, or your loved one, are suffering from a severe physical or mental disability, you should contact a Social Security Disability lawyer immediately to learn about your rights and determine eligibility. The process of securing Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The disability lawyers at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL understand the inner workings of the Social Security Administration and will help you navigate the system. Call us today for a FREE legal consultation - 1-888-234-5758.