Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville PC is proud to share that Hannah Hauer, an associate in the firm’s Healthcare Practice Group, assisted The ALS Association on a pro bono basis in expanding its ALS Insurance Navigator™ to include a legal assistance request function, found here.
A 2022 ALS Focus survey found that nearly one-third of people living with ALS experience denials for critical services, including medications, power wheelchair modifications and in-home care. These denials can lead to delays in treatment, financial strain and increased stress for families.
Despite these barriers, research from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows that 80% of Medicare drug coverage denials that are appealed are ultimately overturned—yet only 10% of denials are ever challenged.
The ALS Insurance Navigator™ is a free, user-friendly resource developed in response to the ALS community’s challenges with insurance denials. With Hauer’s pro bono guidance, the Navigator now includes a feature that connects patients with experienced legal support to help guide them through external health insurance appeals, understand their rights, gather appropriate documentation and build strong cases to secure needed care.
“It’s been a privilege to work alongside The ALS Association on a resource that allows patients and their families to focus on their health rather than the financial and emotional stress of navigating coverage denials,” said Hauer. “This tool provides individuals with the right guidance in one place, helping them feel more empowered to advocate for the care they deserve.”
Hauer advises clients on a range of litigation and compliance matters, as well as Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement issues and matters arising under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Affordable Care Act. She also advocates for legislative advancements benefiting disability communities. Hauer is an active member of the ALS community, having attended the ALS Nexus Conference sinc3 2024, being featured on the ALS Matters Podcast, and providing pro bono legal services to The ALS Association.
To check out the insurance denial legal assistance form, click here. To learn more about Powers Healthcare Practice Group, click here.
About Powers Law
Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville (“Powers”) is a Washington, DC-based law firm with national practices in healthcare, education, government relations, Indian tribal governments, and nonprofit law. Powers attorneys and professionals are nationally known for their extensive expertise in their practice areas and their commitment to client service. For more information, visit www.PowersLaw.com.