The Law Offices of Osofsky & Osofsky
The Osofsky Law Firm is a boutique Medi-Cal planning, Elder Law and Estate Planning firm in the East Bay Area.
{Q} Unfortunately, even though the Jimmo settlement is more than a year old, we find that many healthcare providers are unaware of the end of the old “improvement standard”. As a result, many seniors still experience premature Medicare coverage terminations because they are not improving. This is especially problematic for person suffering with Parkinson’s disease, ALS, heart disease and stroke. The good news, however, is that advocacy on your part can play a big role in correcting premature coverage terminations.If you receive a notice that Medicare coverage is about to terminate, consider an immediate appeal. Talk to your husband’s doctor and ask for a written chart note that continued therapy is necessary for your husband to “maintain” function and/or to “slow further deterioration”. To further aid you in your appeal, download the excellent Self-help Packets available for free on the website of the Center for Medicare Advocacy at www.MedicareAdvocacy.org, or by calling 860-456-7790. Individualized Self-Help Packets are available for denials of outpatient therapy, home healthcare, nursing home, and the misuse of hospital “observation status”. {EQ}
