By The Star Staff
Sen. William Villafañe met earlier this week with Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Martin O’Malley, Chief Actuary Stephen Goss and other federal government officials to discuss the disparities affecting American citizens in Puerto Rico.
The meeting highlighted the urgent need to expand Social Security services in Puerto Rico, the follow-up to the reopening of the Social Security District Office in San Juan, recruitment, achievements and expansion of the San Juan teleservice center, the implementation of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and the importance of programs such as the Low Income Subsidy and Medicare Extra Help for prescriptions.
O’Malley also outlined recent challenges faced by the SSA, including a significant increase in call volume due to misinformation about additional benefits. He also introduced the agency’s new performance management initiative, SecurityStat, which seeks to improve customer service and accelerate the implementation of process improvements.
Villafañe highlighted the issues raised by his constituents, who are often under-covered by existing Social Security and Medicare programs. He advocated for the extension of SSI to Puerto Rico and for a fiscal impact analysis to be conducted that would provide critical financial support to low-income seniors and people with disabilities.
“It is essential that we ensure that all Americans, no matter where they live, have access to the support they need,” Villafañe said. “Programs like the Low Income Subsidy, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Medicare Extra Help are vital for our constituents struggling with the high cost of prescriptions. Expanding these programs to adequately cover Puerto Rico will make a significant difference in the lives of many.”
Villafañe, O’Malley and the other federal officials agreed on the need for continued dialogue and collaboration to improve the delivery of benefits and services to Puerto Ricans. They pledged to work together to push for legislative changes that bring increased equity to the Social Security and Medicare systems.
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