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Casework Corner - Congresswoman Boyda's Office Helps Get Results In Medicare Case

Congresswoman Boyda’s office is here to help you. We regularly receive calls from constituents with concerns ranging from veteran’s affairs to agricultural issues to social security, even student loans. Our mission is to help resolve those issues.

Recently, in our Pittsburg office, Jared Peterson assisted a couple needing information on Medicare Part B. Clay and Leanna have been battling Leanna’s Multiple Sclerosis since 1983. In 1989, Clay and Leanna made the decision to add Leanna to Clay’s company insurance plan. Simultaneously they dropped Leanna’s Medicare, all while under the assumption that she could be reinstated by Medicare at any time. This proved to be more difficult than they originally thought. They recently filed an appeal to get Medicare Part B for Leanna.

Our understanding of the enrollment rule is: If you do not enroll in Medicare Part B at age 65 and maintain this enrollment, then later if you were wanted to apply for the Part B plan, you would be charged a penalty.

Shortly after filing their appeal with Medicare, Clay and Leanna solicited extra assistance from many elected officials, including their state representatives, their federal representation, the Office of the President and countless other local and state agencies that had jurisdiction in South East Kansas. They received only one response – from Jared Perterson of Congresswoman Nancy Boyda’s office. With Jared’s help, Clay and Leanna were able to get the information and guidance necessary to win their case. Leanna was reinstated into the Medicare Part B program.

In their letter of gratitude Clay wrote, “Jared Peterson, we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking time to help us, making a difference in our lives, and above all just being you. Jared, without your continued effort, I feel we would not have won this case.”

The process of opening and investigating a claim with the Center for Medicare Services (CMS) generally takes around four to six weeks, depending on the circumstances of the individual case. It is possible we can obtain answers sooner but matters involving appeals may take a bit longer. Appeals are processed according to established administrative rules and regulations and must be processed within the framework of those systems. 

Constituent Service Representatives in Congresswoman Boyda’s offices do our best to understand your issues and to work to get you the answers you need. If you find you are having difficulty communicating with a Federal agency, we will be happy to make contacts on your behalf. Simply follow Clay and Leanna’s example and contact your Congresswoman for assistance.