HHS Announces Plans to Shorten Appeals Process for Medicare

Washington

After taking control of the Medicare appeals process in June, the Department of Health and Human Services said it plans to use technology to speed up the process and increase access to hearings.

One way the agency said it will reduce hearing times is by increasing use of video teleconferencing technology to hold electronic hearings. HHS currently has access to VTC sites in more than 1,000 cities. If an in-person hearing is required, according to the agency, an Administrative Law Judge will travel to a location convenient to the parties involved.

Despite concerns that have been raised about possible staffing shortages, HHS said the new approach will bring quicker resolution to fee-for-service Medicare claims, which must be resolved within a 90-day timeframe under a mandate in the Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000.

The ALJ function moved from the jurisdiction of the Social Security Administration to HHS under a requirement in the MMA.

“As HHS assumes responsibility for handling Medicare hearings, we are committed to making the appeals process better, faster and more convenient for seniors and other people with Medicare,” said HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt. “Our goal is to eliminate the need for an aged or disabled beneficiary to travel if other resources are available closer to home.”