Social Security letters are confusing people
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — If you receive Social Security or are a caregiver for someone who receives it, check your mail again: Two families received letters about changes to their benefits, but they were so confused, concerned and asked questions that they called News10NBC’s chief investigative reporter, Berkley Breen.
“My mother lives in a nursing home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania,” said Bill Engel of Irondequoit.
Engel looked at the letter she’d received from the Social Security Administration about her mother’s benefits and started doing some basic math. It listed her new benefits, her new Medicare premiums, and the difference between them. The answer: 70 cents short.
“And if she’s losing 70 cents, there’s probably a lot of people who are losing 70 cents, maybe more,” Engel said.
Berkley Breen, News10NBC: “So that means you get 70 cents from your mom. When you think about all the people who are on Social Security, this is a real money story.”
Bill Engel: “Oh, sure. It’s in the millions.”
50 million to be exact.
The second letter was sent to Doris DeSantis in Greece, who said she was more than 70 cents short on her payment, missing $77 she was due from her Medicare Advantage insurer, WellCare, a payment called a giveback, a type of premium refund.
“Absolutely. I need the money, that’s all,” DeSantis said. “Right now we don’t get that much, so $77 less is a lot of money to me.”
Rene Pettenski works for Lifespan and handles all kinds of Medicare issues.
“These letters come from the Social Security Administration, so they can be confusing,” Pettensky said.
Barclay Breen: In your experience, is there any chance that these letters being circulated could cause confusion?
Rene Pettensky: “There was a lot of confusion. A lot of it.”
Berkley Breen: “So, what do you recommend?”
Rene Pettensky: “Call the Social Security Administration and say, ‘What are you sending this for? What are you trying to do? Please explain to me.'”
I contacted WellCare Insurance on Wednesday and Thursday. He emailed the Social Security Administration on Thursday. He asked them to contact the family and speak to them to resolve the mistake and ease their concerns. Once News10NBC hears back from them, we will let you know.
Lifespan experts say Medicare and Social Security recipients will likely receive another letter around Oct. 1 outlining changes to their health care system.
Rene Pettensky: “They’re going to get it from their current insurance company, but they’re going to have to look at that very carefully this year because there are a lot of changes coming to insurance plans, including Medicare for 2025.”
Berkeley Breen: Why do you think the change is happening?
Rene Pettensky: “Just chatting… there will be a lot of changes.”
Barclay Breen: “I assume you’re not aware of any changes that might end up costing you more money?”
Rene Pettensky: “It’s possible. It’s very possible.”
I emailed the Social Security Administration today asking them to look into these situations and the letter they wrote. I have contacted the health insurance company, WellCare, and I have asked them to look into this situation in an effort to get in touch with these families and allay some of the concerns that caused them to contact me.
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