As most Americans already know, the country is currently undergoing a partial government shutdown. For those who have filed a workers’ compensation claim before this shutdown began, you are probably assuming that it will have no effect on you. However, as Jean Goldstein at WorkersCompensation.org points out, this is not necessarily the case.
Although Social Security benefits will still be paid during the shutdown, a handful of nonessential employees from the Social Security Administration have been furloughed. Because of this, Social Security benefit verifications may not be processed (in addition to new Social Security cards.) During the government shutdown that occurred in 2013, a number of employees at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid's (CMS) Regional Offices (who are in charge of issuing approvals for Workers' Compensation Medicare Set-Asides, or WCMSAs) were also furloughed. Because of this, the CMS Regional Offices could not issue WCMSA approval letters. Therefore, it stands to reason that during this shutdown, turnaround time for receiving WCMSA approval letters, which is usually around 30 days, may also be affected.
For assistance speeding the workers’ compensation process along during the shutdown and after it, considering hiring an attorney who has experience dealing with workers’ comp claims.
Call Michael J. Doyle, Attorney at Law Today
When you hire Michael J. Doyle, Attorney at Law, you’re hiring a workers’ compensation attorney with 20 years of experience. From career-ending injuries to common occupational illnesses, our firm knows how to handle workers’ comp claims inside and out, arguing for maximum compensation in every case. Don’t let the government or anyone else slow down the workers’ comp process any more than you can help. Call Michael J. Doyle, Attorney at Law today, and begin fighting for the compensation you deserve.
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