Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich

	Congressman Kucinich 111th

Washington, Aug 17, 2011 -

Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) is today seeking urgent federal assistance to provide needed services to seniors after a state error has resulted in as many as 15,000 qualified seniors and disabled individuals being denied continued Medicare Part B premium and copayment assistance, as well as an unknown number of Medicaid beneficiaries being denied their prescription drugs at pharmacies. In transitioning their computer system, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has experienced a foul-up and have failed to protect the seniors who rely on them. The state agency has also failed to act swiftly to remedy the problem.

See a signed copy of the letter here.

“As a result of the reports I’ve received from constituents, as well as the inadequate responses my staff has received from ODJFS, today, I wrote the head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requesting urgent federal oversight and assistance.  A toll-free number should be established to facilitate expedited re-enrollment, prescription access problems, and for provider payment issues,” said Kucinich.

According to ODJFS, 15,000 people in Ohio have been “auto-closed” out of continued Medicaid assistance in paying their monthly Medicare Part B premiums and copayments related to a computer issue. The state has acknowledged the error but has refused to go case-by-case to re-enroll people that are still eligible. Instead, the state is forcing people to reapply and, as a result, some will go months without their qualified benefits.

“Seniors are going to the pharmacy to get a prescription filled only to find out that their insurer’s computer system will not process the payment. That means that seniors on extremely tight budgets are forced to pay out of pocket or potentially go without their required medicine.

“This is 2011.  Computer systems are very advanced.  Organizations dealing with the public, especially government agencies, should not switch to a new computer system until they know, based on tests and simulations, that systemic errors will not occur.  The state also needs to exercise common sense in determinations made based on data generated by these new systems, so that people are not left out to dry as a result.

“We must not force seniors to choose between food and medicine. These seniors qualify for a benefit and it is beholden upon state government officials to ensure they receive it,” said Kucinich.

Kucinich also asked CMS to intervene related to ODJFS delays in paying Medicaid providers.

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