This is an archival or historical document and may not reflect current policies or procedures.
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| June 2012 |
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In This Issue: |
Online Social Security Statement Reaches One Million Milestone
“The online Social Security Statement is a huge success,” said Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security. “The online Statement meets our commitment to provide Americans with an easy, efficient process to obtain an estimate of their potential Social Security benefits. I recommend everyone get in the habit of checking their online Statement each year, around their birthday, for example.” Find out why online Statements are so popular by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/mystatement. |
Social Security, Kaiser Permanente Work Together for Faster Disability Decisions
“In today’s world, it makes no sense for us to chase down paper records on an individual basis,” said Commissioner Astrue. “We are thrilled that Kaiser Permanente is now one of our key agents for change.” Over the last few years, Social Security had entered into similar agreements with several smaller providers to exchange medical records electronically over the Nationwide Health Information Network. The agreement with Kaiser Permanente marks the agency’s first move into using health information technology on a large-scale basis. More information on Social Security’s use of health information technology is available at www.socialsecurity.gov/hit. |
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Commissioner Testimony on the Appeals Process
Read the Commissioner’s testimony to Congress at www.socialsecurity.gov/legislation/testimony_062712.html.
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Emergency Preparedness—Some Advice From Social Security
During a weather emergency, you can find out if your local Social Security office is open by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/emergency. |
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In less than two months’ time one million people have gone online, created a 
Kaiser Permanente, one of the nation’s largest healthcare providers, has agreed to transmit its patients’ complete medical records to Social Security electronically with the appropriate consent. As part of the disability determination process, the agency requests about 70,000 patient files from Kaiser Permanente each year, so this seamless new system will allow Social Security to make faster and more accurate disability decisions.
On June 27th, Commissioner Astrue testified before the House Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Social Security. The Commissioner provided an overview of the appeals process, an update on agency efforts to eliminate the hearings backlog, and discussed the President’s fiscal year (FY) 2013 funding request.
Wicked weather, including tornadoes, tropical storms, and wildfires, have forced many people from their homes and are a reminder to us all to be prepared for an emergency. If you or your clients receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits, part of being prepared should include electronic payments via direct deposit or Direct Express®. Learn more about these convenient ways to receive monthly benefits at 
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