Frank Neuhauser Nov 3, 2016 a 7:58 am PDT

In most states there is a simple way to accomplish this reporting since IAIABC-EDI reporting can accomplish this from a single source (state) to SSS. Since insurers already report to the state agencies, this represents no extra burden. Amazingly, it has been proposed to SSA on at least three occasions that the states and SSA get together and resolve the few remaining issues for centralized reporting. And each time SSA walked right up to a month before the meeting and then said, "No, we've decided not to participate at this time." Instead of having hundreds of insurers, tens of thousands of employers, and millions of workers trying to coordinate with SSA, most states could supply these data to SSA with just a few adjustments to the data collection. SSA makes 10s of thousands of mistakes on benefits each year, about half short-changing beneficiaries and spends millions of dollars collecting the data. Insurers, employers and workers also spend millions of dollars in time and effort to comply with current, poorly executed collection. It's time for SSA to step up to the plate and commit some resources to a comprehensive solution that would save everyone millions a year...oh, and save SSA money while getting the proper benefits to workers. States have demonstrated a willingness to work out the issues, but SSA is seemingly unwilling to change.