Court Opinion

ID: 9492763
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-05 14:50:09.184373+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:55:29.193451
License: Public Domain

BRIGHT, Circuit Judge,
concurring separately.
I concur in the result but add this statement.
Ms. Otis states that she is a diabetic and may die if deprived of insulin. She states that she has no funds to purchase that needed medication. If her statement is true, this situation cries out for some relief.
At the hearing on this matter, counsel for the SSA conceded that the agency has the power to continue benefits to Ms. Otis pending a hearing and determination of the issues. If her life or her health is in jeopardy, I suggest that the SSA should continue her benefits, as may be permitted under the law and regulations, subject to repayment if Ms. Otis is unsuccessful in further administrative proceedings.
I also believe that Ms. Otis raises some constitutional issues that may be of concern in the administrative proceedings. She will need counsel to properly present these and other issues. Ms. Otis should seek counsel through legal aid services in Minnesota.