As a new year of opportunities to make a difference with the Center for Medicare Advocacy’s community approaches, I’ve been reflecting on our important work, including a particular morning in the fall of 2012 when the Center’s Executive Director, Judy Stein, and I were in New York City for meetings. The Center had just come to an agreement on a proposed settlement to end the use of the “Improvement Standard.” The Jimmo Settlement, when approved by the judge, would affirm that beneficiaries do not have to improve to qualify for Medicare coverage of necessary skilled services.
I happened to stop at the newsstand outside our hotel and was greeted by a front-page article in the New York Times covering the Jimmo Settlement. Such prominent coverage would surely bring national attention to the proposed Settlement and its implications for beneficiaries and their families!
I bought multiple copies of the paper – this was an historic moment to celebrate and share. There was great joy at the prospect of ending this harmful practice and great gratitude for the Center’s community who had made our work and the Jimmo Settlement possible.
It was momentous. It was hopeful. It was justice.
The Jimmo Settlement was approved by the judge just over 10 years ago and we have seen when Jimmo is known and followed, beneficiaries can get the skilled care they need, for as long as they need. Yet, we still regularly respond to, and bring awareness to, misinformation that leads to denials of services legally covered under Medicare law that are specifically addressed by the Jimmo Settlement.
With your support, we will continue this momentous fight for justice, and full implementation of the Jimmo Settlement –– for as long as it takes. I hope you will consider joining me in supporting the Center for Medicare Advocacy as 2023 draws to a close. Please click here to make a donation before December 31st to help launch our work into the new year. Thank you!
Warmest Regards,
Scott Perkins
Operations Director