| Center for Medicare Advocacy Press Release | CT Congressional Delegation Release |
Congressional Leadership Appoints Center for Medicare Advocacy Founder and Executive Director Judith Stein to Commission on Long-Term Care
February 7, 2013 – Mansfield, Conn. – On February 6, 2013, Democratic House of Representative Leader Nancy Pelosi appointed the Center for Medicare Advocacy’s founder and Executive Director, Judith Stein to serve on the newly formed national Commission on Long-Term Care, created as part of the American Taxpayer Relief Act (ATRA). The Commission is to consider and make recommendations to Congress about providing and financing long-term care for older and disabled people.
"I am honored to have been chosen alongside leading experts from across the country to serve on this important Commission,” said Judith Stein, Executive Director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy. “I thank Leader Pelosi for this tremendous opportunity. I look forward to bringing with me the voices and experiences of the thousands of individuals and families that the Center for Medicare Advocacy and I serve, as the Commission works to tackle the critical challenges facing people in need of long-term care.”
Charlie Sabatino, Director of the ABA Commission on Law and Aging applauds Judy’s appointment to the Commission, saying, “Congratulations to Judy on her appointment and to Nancy Pelosi for having the wisdom to appoint the foremost and most tireless national advocate for Medicare beneficiaries to the new legislatively created Long-Term Care Commission – it is a cause for some real optimism in our future.”
Focused on legal representation of the elderly since beginning her legal career in 1975, Stein founded the Center for Medicare Advocacy in 1986. Prior to beginning the Center, she was the Co-Director of Legal Assistance to Medicare Patients (LAMP) where she managed the first Medicare advocacy program in the country. She has extensive experience in developing and administering Medicare advocacy projects, representing Medicare beneficiaries, producing educational materials, teaching and consulting. She has been lead or co-counsel in numerous federal class action and individual legal cases challenging improper Medicare policies and denials, including a recent landmark settlement affirming Medicare coverage of skilled services for people with long-term and chronic conditions.
“Decades of working on the ground with families in my home state of Connecticut and across the country have given me a keen sense of the state of our long-term care system,” said Stein. “The current structure is not working. I hope this Commission will act boldly to ensure the health and economic security of families dealing with long-term care needs.”
To speak with Judith Stein about her appointment, please contact Lauren Weybrew at lweybrew@douglasgould.com or 914-833-7093. Learn more about the Center for Medicare Advocacy at www.medicareadvocacy.org
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The Center for Medicare Advocacy, Inc., established in 1986, is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that provides education, advocacy and legal assistance to help older people and people with disabilities obtain fair access to Medicare and necessary health care. The organization focuses on the needs of Medicare beneficiaries, people with chronic conditions, and those in need of long-term care. The organization is involved in writing, education, and advocacy activities of importance to Medicare beneficiaries nationwide.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Josh Zembik (Courtney): 202-225-2105
Sara Lonardo (DeLauro): 202-225-3661
Ed Skowronek (Larson): 860-539-4924
Elizabeth Kerr (Himes): 202-225-5541
Jeb Fain (Esty): 202-226-6732
Connecticut Congressional delegation applauds Judith Stein appointment to Bipartisan Long-Term Care Commission
WASHINGTON, DC – The Connecticut House delegation today applauded the appointment of Judith Stein, founder and executive director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy in Willimantic, to the Bipartisan Long-Term Care Commission. Created earlier this year as part of the American Tax Relief Act, the commission is responsible for developing a plan to establish, implement, and finance a comprehensive set of long-term care services for seniors and people with disabilities. Last month, Reps. Joe Courtney, Rosa DeLauro, John Larson, Jim Himes and Elizabeth Esty wrote to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi urging her to appoint Stein to the commission.
Focused on legal representation of the elderly since beginning her legal career in 1975, Judith Stein was the Co-Director of Legal Assistance to Medicare Patients (LAMP), where she managed the first Medicare advocacy program in the country. She has extensive experience in developing and administering Medicare advocacy projects, representing Medicare beneficiaries, producing educational materials, teaching and consulting. She has been lead or co-counsel in numerous federal class action and individual cases challenging improper Medicare policies and denials.
“I cannot think of a single person better equipped than Judy Stein to serve on this commission as it addresses the issues facing seniors and our aging Baby Boomer population,” said Congressman Courtney. “Over the past 25 years, Judy has transformed the Center for Medicare Advocacy from a local voice into a national leader on Medicare and Medicaid policy. I am extremely pleased that her years of experience and expertise will be put to good use as the commission tackles big challenges ahead.”
“There is no greater champion for seniors than Judy Stein, who has worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of Connecticut and all Americans to ensure they have access to the health care they need and deserve.” said DeLauro. “The unparalleled experience she will bring to the Commission is imperative as this important panel works to fulfill its mission, and should bring comfort to American families knowing that they have someone who truly understands and will represent their needs.”
“With over 30 years of experience working with Medicare beneficiaries, Judith Stein will be an invaluable asset to the Long-Term Care Commission,” said Congressman Larson. “The wealth of knowledge and understanding she brings to the table are unparalleled, and will no doubt benefit this commission in their work to strengthen our nation’s long-term care systems.”
“Seniors and families across the country will have an impressive advocate in Judy Stein as she joins the Long-Term Care Commission,” Himes said. “Her advocacy and expertise have served us well at the Center for Medicare Advocacy, and we’re lucky to have her working on our behalf as we address the challenges associated with reforming and protecting the programs that serve our aging population.”
“With her decades of experience as an advocate for elderly Americans and Medicare beneficiaries, Judy Stein will provide a critical voice for seniors, people with disabilities, and all Americans with long-term care needs,” said Congresswoman Esty. “I feel certain that our country will benefit from Judy’s knowledge, experience, and leadership on long-term care issues, and I’m grateful for her willingness to serve.”