Allan A. Bonney
Attorney at
Law
GARDEN COURT BUILDING
222 WEST MISSION SUITE #104
SPOKANE, WA 99201
(509) 328-1896
EMAIL:
abonney@abonneylawyer.com
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"Mediation is for Everybody" Cassette Tape
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SSA Toll Free Numbers
The Social Security Administration toll free telephone number is 1-800-772-1213. I have found the telephone number especially helpful to schedule an appointment, to file a new application or to request forms. It is also helpful to request free SSA publications.
For particular information about a claim, I recommend one write to the nearest Social Security Administration District Office. In the Spokane area write to: 811 E. Sprague, Suite A, Spokane, WA 99202.
Remember that what an SSA employee says over the telephone does not obligate the SSA to act. Usually, employees give correct information. However, only written determinations are appealable.
Medicare Provider Issues
I am expanding my practice to include consultation for Medicare Providers and representation in select Medicare appeals before the SSA Office of Hearings and Appeals of Medicare issues.
Social Security beneficiaries who receive Medicare Part A, Part B, or Part C, are often denied benefits inappropriately. Those denials can be appealed. New regulations regarding appeals take effect on October 1, 2002.
Hearings Office Backlog
Increase
In Summer 2000, the delay from hearing request date to hearing date was 5-7 months in the Spokane area. Decisions were usually written within 2 months following the hearing.
Unfortunately, hearings are now being scheduled about 10 months after a hearing is requested in the Spokane area. The delay to receive a written decision is about 2-4 months.
Necessary Steps to
Prepare for Hearings
I have found more than 4 months are required to effectively prepare for a hearing. Time is needed to request records, to receive them (2 to 4 weeks), to schedule additional medical appointments, and to evaluate the Social Security claim file or Exhibit File. As I wrote in Issue No. 3, it is especially important that Claimants continue to see their treating doctors and counselors and follow treatment recommendations during the entire period of their claim.
I recommend that my clients keep a calendar of doctors’ and therapists’ appointments to locate records in the future. Social Security usually wants to see treatment notes and the effects of treatment over time. Usually the following are required to obtain Social Security Disability or SSI benefits:
1) regular ongoing medical treatment, and
2) counseling about issues, which relate to individuals work-related impairments.
Simply stated, it is rare for an individual who has medical problems to not also suffer some loss of their hopes and expectations for the future. This is another way of saying the person is likely grieving which includes the feelings of sadness and possibly depression. Those non-exertional limitations impact a person’s ability to appear on time for work, to concentrate and to pay attention at work, and to work at a competitive pace.
The counseling should occur at least twice a month. If possible the counseling should be by a Clinical Psychologist. In addition, a thorough psychological evaluation is often necessary.
Medical Insurance
Information about "Health Insurance Care Options for Disabled Consumers" is a 6 page booklet on topics of Medicare premium payments by DSHS, Medicare Managed Care, and Medigap Policies. It may be ordered by calling 1-800-397-4422.