Every day we talk to people with mental health issues who can’t get the treatment they need because of cuts in the North Carolina system. The slashing of state’s budget ($155 million in cuts for 2010) and the downsizing or closing of mental health facilities have left some people in a crisis situation, especially those who live in rural areas. It’s frustrating to us and to our clients and their families. People with mental health disabilities deserve care and treatment and our tax dollars should fund adequate if not excellent programs to meet these needs.
This article was written by Chip Permar
In a report released this month by the US Government Accountability Office, the Social Security Administration is still plugging along in its efforts to speed up the approval process of SSD claims. Following a plan that started in 2007, the GAO reviewed the May update and noted that the SSA must continue to move forward to reduce the backlog by 2013. Much of the effort centers on Administrative Law Judges, focusing on the hiring of judges, their availability to hear cases and their productivity. According to the GAO, claims are now at 446,000 and the SSA needs to set up performance goals and measures in order to be productive.
This article was written by Todd P. Oxner
Senate Bill 749 has passed the House and Senate. It allows drivers to choose their auto insurance coverage amount, permitting them to go above the minimum limits that are now legally required. In that way, motorists can opt for more protection if they choose to, and the limits for anyone are still in place which will serve us all if we are involved in an accident.
As a Charlotte native, Kristin Packard knows all about the area and all about law. As a previous defense attorney for insurance companies and employers, she knows the “other side” of workers’ compensation cases and will be an asset to our team. She joins our Charlotte office this month, and we welcome her dynamic personality.
As an update to my recent post, the national average for processing a SSD claim is 494 days. That’s nearly a year and five months. The Greensboro office operates at 541 days (almost 50 days longer), while Charlotte beats the national average slightly at 490 days.
It is important to note that North Carolina has had a slight drop (just under 4%) in the number of claims processed this year compared to 2008, which makes us one of only two states where this happened. Compare NC to Illinois where the number of cases has unbelievably doubled, due possibly to more baby boomers in the market and people who had not planned for the economic dilemma we are in.
According to the latest reports, the Social Security Administration has the goal to end the backlog in hearing level claims in all states by 2013. Additional Administrative Law Judges, funding and efficient staff and productivity could make this happen. As always, we will keep you updated.
This article was written by Chip Permar
