Social Security Choking On Paperwork From Insurance Companies

New York Times | MARY WILLIAMS WALSH | April 1, 2008 12:22 PM

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The Social Security system is choking on paperwork and spending millions of dollars a year screening dubious applications for disability benefits, according to lawsuits filed by whistle-blowers.

Jessica Ortiz of San Diego said her disability insurer called more than 10 times after she was hurt in a car crash, insisting that she apply for Social Security. She was denied, as she had expected.

Insurance companies are the source of the problem, the lawsuits say. The insurers are forcing many people who file disability claims with them to also apply to Social Security -- even people who clearly do not qualify for the government program.

The Social Security Administration defines "disabled" much more stringently than the insurers generally do, so it rejects most of the applications, at least initially. Often, the insurers then tell their claimants to appeal, the lawsuits say, raising the cost.

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- Hopalongpoppyseed See Profile I'm a Fan of Hopalongpoppyseed permalink

Quick, somebody write and pass a law requiring insurance companies to sign an affidavit showing that they are requiring the insured customer to file an SS claim, then make them reimburse the government when a claim fails.

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 01:33 PM on 04/02/2008

- Nitehawk See Profile I'm a Fan of Nitehawk permalink

It's not just the profits. The Medicaid program in most states also require people to keep applying. Social And I notice today as I'm off 16 different law firm advertising they will get you a disability check. The program is seen as a cash cow.

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 02:58 PM on 04/01/2008

- Robert59 See Profile I'm a Fan of Robert59 permalink

More of the same privating profits socializing losses. Insurance companies are doing this for only one reason, so they can pay out less. By sticking it to the taxpayer they get out of paying what they should.

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 02:41 PM on 04/01/2008

- speakingtruth2power See Profile I'm a Fan of speakingtruth2power permalink

All about the profits? Judged alone, this action seems to bear that analysis out

BUT looking at all the privatization and anti-government ploys at work in BushCo

points to the likelihood of a strategy to bring both our economy and democratic

institutions to ultimate collapse. This radical plan is not a conspiracy theory of

mine, it is well explained by Naomi Klein's 'Shock Doctrine' where corporatist

use catastrophes to remake society in it's own fascist image. The Bush crime

family has promoted their brand of fascist treason for at least seventy years!!!

ST2P.

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 01:02 PM on 04/01/2008

- Stretchumall See Profile I'm a Fan of Stretchumall permalink

I agree. One only has to be injured on the job to find out just how bad fascism is. States Workers Comp. laws have been rigged for the employer to deny any claim and force an employee to pay for medical treatment out of their own pocket. People are forced to fight in court for everything from corporations or their own government, even unemployment benefits aren't a givin any longer. It has been reported that People have died from medical conditions or commited suicide waiting for insurance companies to pay for treatment. Got Rope?