Settlement to Ease Mainers' Private Disability Claims Process

Earlier this week, the Bangor Daily News reported that a settlement had been reached between Maine Superintendent of Insurance, Eric Cioppa, and three private insurance companies, along with four other states — California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.

While the companies admitted no wrongdoing by entering into the negotiated settlement, they did agree to change the way they decide whether to approve claims. (Some disability attorneys have alleged that the companies deny benefits without examining a claimant’s physical condition and that the companies use unauthorized video surveillance to show that claimants should be able to go back to work.)
As part of the multistate agreement, the companies are re-evaluating certain claims; they have set aside $48 million in case the reviews show that they need to pay additional benefits. The companies have also set aside an additional $29 million for claims that are open now.

Officials in the five states believe these measures will make the insurance claim process easier for future claimants.

According to the Bangor Daily News:

Eric Cioppa says the Bureau of Insurance is willing and able to help people who feel they may have been wronged in the past. “If they know they have some rights they may not have been aware of, they can always call us,” he added.
You can reach the Bureau at 1-800-300-5000 or online at www.maine.gov/pfr/insurance.

The Maine Public broadcasting network Wednesday reported on the same story under the headline "Maine Settles with CIGNA Companies on Disability Claims." Listen to the story here.

"Employment First" Bill for Disabled Mainers

Earlier this month, the Maine Public Broadcasting Network reported on a bill that aims to support people with disabilities in obtaining jobs.

A new "Employment First" bill crafted to help disabled Mainers land jobs got an enthusiastic reception today at a legislative hearing, and attracted dozens of supporters. Sponsored by Maine Senate President Justin Alfond, the bill directs state agencies to coordinate their efforts in making employment the first priority when disabled Mainers turn to the state for help. 

Read or listen to the MPBN story.

Tell Legislators to Support Health Insurance for Low-Income Mainers

As we reported a month ago, Gov. LePage and other Maine legislators are considering turning down federal funds that would allow more Mainers to have health insurance, as well as jobs in the healthcare industry.

Jennifer Lunden, a Maine activist, writer, and social worker whom we will be profiling soon here on Ability Maine, has sent out the following urgent plea to Mainers to pick up the phone and contact their legislators to demand this federal support to which we are entitled.

— Sharon Wachsler

I just got this message from Maine Equal Justice Partners. Believe it or not, Governor LePage and some legislators are still hedging on whether they will accept federal funds so that more low-income Mainers can be insured. This is really a no-brainer, and we need your help to boost our odds of winning this very important fight for healthcare justice. Please call your legislators ASAP, as this is going to vote tomorrow. The information below makes it easy.

If you don't remember your legislators' names, never fear, you can look them up right here: http://www.maine.gov/portal/government/edemocracy/lookup_voter_info

Now pick up the phone and call: Representatives: 1-800-423-2900

Senators:  1-800-423-6900

You can leave a message 24 hours-a-day.

When you call, state:
•    Your name
•    Town that you live in
•    The name of your legislator, and
•    A brief message. For example: "Please support LD 1546. It's good for the health of Maine people, for our hospitals and for our economy."

If you would like to talk with your legislator, be sure to leave your number and the best time for her/him to call you back.  Let's inundate them with messages!

Here's the alert in full, below. And thank you for all you do.

Lunden

We are asking you to please take ONLY 5 minutes of your time today and tomorrow and PLEASE CALL YOUR STATE SENATORS AND HOUSE MEMBERS SO THAT MANY MAINE PEOPLE CAN HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE. MAINECARE IS ALSO BETTER FOR OUR HOSPITALS AND OUR PHYSICIANS (AND FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO PRACTICE AND ACCEPT MAINECARE CLIENTS) AS IT IS BETTER THAN CHARITY CARE.
THANK YOU,
SUSAN LAMB, Executive Director
MAINE CHAPTER NASW

Call TODAY!
Tell legislators to
Accept Federal Funds for Health Care

Please act now!  It's fast and easy!      
This afternoon, the Maine Senate voted 20-15 in favor of LD 1546. This bill would allow Maine to accept federal funds to provide health insurance to adults with low income who otherwise can't afford it AND would pay off the State's debt to Maine hospitals.  A second vote will take place tomorrow in the Senate, and then the bill will be sent to the House for a vote.
The time to act is NOW!

Your legislators need to know that you want them to support LD 1546.

   The Legislature and the governor have a great opportunity right now:
•    to change lives,
•    to help families be more secure,
•    to stimulate our economy,
•    to reduce insurance costs for business owners,
•    to create jobs, and most importantly,
•    to save lives.
Your call is VERY important.  

Call your legislators and leave them a message TODAY, or TOMORROW!
Legislators need to know that, like the majority of Mainers (nearly 70%), you think accepting these funds is the smart thing to do. Just a few calls from constituents can make a difference on the outcome of this vote.

Please call the toll-free legislative answering service and leave a message for your legislators today!

Representatives: 1-800-423-2900

Senators:  1-800-423-6900

You can leave a message 24 hours-a-day.

When you call, state:
•    Your name
•    Town that you live in
•    The name of your legislator, and
•    A brief message. For example: "Please support LD 1546. It's good for the health of Maine people, for our hospitals and for our economy."
If you would like to talk with your legislator, be sure to leave your number and the best time for her/him to call you back.

Not sure who your State Legislators are?  Look them up at:http://www.maine.gov/portal/government/edemocracy/lookup_voter_info.

Thank you for calling.  Please ask at least one more person to do the same.

For more information, go to: www.mejp.org.yo