Rhode Island Sec. of Health & Human Services Facing Lawsuit Over Shuttering of Medicare Payment Program

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Two plaintiffs described as “low-income individuals” are behind a proposed class action filed against Rhode Island Executive Office of Health & Human Services Secretary Eric Beane in his official capacity alleging the notice they received about the termination of the state’s Medicare Payment Program (MPP) was inadequate. The plaintiffs argue the defendant’s termination of MPP benefits for some Rhode Island residents has put great strain on low-income households, who the lawsuit says are now required to pay the Medicare Part B Supplement, costing as much as $134 per month, out of their Social Security benefits.

“For low-income individuals, such a loss of income puts them at risk of losing their homes and their utilities and deprives them of funds needed for their daily living expenses, including food,” the lawsuit argues.

The lawsuit asks the court for injunctive relief to stop the defendant from ending proposed class members’ MPP benefits “without first providing adequate advance written notice” that includes the reason for the termination. The case also asks for the court to require Beane to immediately restore MPP benefits that have already been revoked.