support - paternity - estoppel - right to hearing

Lebanon County CYW v. Wagner - Superior Court - May 14, 2008

http://www.phfa.org/consumers/homeowners/real.aspx

“[I]n any child support matter in which paternity is denied on the grounds of estoppel, the trial court must conduct a hearing on the issue of estoppel and determine whether the mother is estopped from pursuing her claim against the alleged father.” Freedman v. McCandless, 654 A.2d 529, 533 (Pa. 1995) (emphasis added).

“Only when the doctrine of estoppel does not apply will the mother be permitted to proceed with a paternity claim against a putative father with the aid of a blood test.” Jones v. Trojak, 634 A.2d 201, 206 (Pa. 1993) (citation omitted). Thus, it was improper for the trial court to order genetic tests without providing Appellant a hearing on the issue of estoppel.

The fact that the child was in the custod of the county CYS is of no moment. The agency stands in the shoes of the parent and is bound by the parent's conduct concerning paternity.

Medicare - proposed revisions to Medicare Advantage and prescription drug benefit program

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/08-1244.pdf

SUMMARY: This proposed rule would make revisions to the Medicare Advantage (MA) program (Part C) and prescription drug benefit program (Part D).

The regulation contains new regulatory provisions regarding special needs plans, medical savings accounts (MSA) plans, and cost-sharing for dual eligible enrollees in the MA program, the prescription drug payment and novation processes in the Part D program, and the enrollment, appeals, and marketing processes for both programs.

We are proposing these changes based on lessons learned since 2006, the initial year of the prescription drug program and the revised MA program.

DATES: To be assured consideration, comments must be received at one of the addresses provided below, no later than 5 p.m. on July 15, 2008.