Opinion ID: 602920
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Procedural process due to Plaintiffs

Text: 9 The Plaintiffs are therefore entitled to both notice and an opportunity to be heard. See Mathews v. Eldridge, 424 U.S. 319, 348-49, 96 S.Ct. 893, 909-10, 47 L.Ed.2d 18 (1976). This court is satisfied that timely and sufficient notice was provided to the Plaintiffs. Notice was published in the Federal Register, posted in the clinic patronized by Plaintiffs, and mailed to all patients whom IHS believed might be affected. 10 The missing component in this case was the opportunity for the Plaintiffs to be heard. A recipient in danger of losing benefits is entitled to a meaningful opportunity to state his position. Goldberg, 397 U.S. at 269, 90 S.Ct. at 1021. Plaintiffs contend that, given a chance, they will be able to show tribal membership. An informal setting will suffice, id., so long as both Plaintiff's eligibility and the government's interest in termination are properly considered. The hearing should be tailored to the capacities and circumstances of those who are to be heard, id. at 268-69, 90 S.Ct. at 1020-21, but should include an opportunity for a recipient to state his position orally in a setting that ensures fairness. Mathews, 424 U.S. at 348, 96 S.Ct. at 909. An impartial decision maker should state the reasons for his determination. Goldberg, 397 U.S. at 271, 90 S.Ct. at 1022. 11 IHS contends that the benefits were provided in error and that a hearing is unnecessary because the Plaintiffs clearly would not be entitled to continued medical care. This argument begs the question, however, because Plaintiffs counter that they could prove eligibility if given the chance. The IHS assumes the outcome of the hearing to support its conclusion that the hearing is not necessary. We hold, however, that a hearing is required because of the nature of the Plaintiffs' right, even if the final result is a termination of benefits.