Latest news with #PublicInvestigator
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
No treatment, and a $250 bill: Barriers to dental care send people to unprepared ERs
When Michael McCoy's tooth suddenly fell out in October, he went to the emergency room at Columbia St. Mary's in Milwaukee for help. After getting his blood pressure and weight checked and a brief wait, McCoy was told there was nothing the hospital could do — but he was still charged $250. McCoy, 67, was sure the charge must be a mistake, so he contacted Public Investigator. But according to Ascension and his insurer, Blue Cross Blue Shield, the bill was correct. The charge represents "facility fees" — the portion of the bill that covers the costs of delivering care, including medical equipment, nurses and other medical support staff. "They could have told me as soon as I got there that they didn't do dental work of any kind there, instead of finding reasons to stall and bill me," McCoy said. McCoy's situation isn't unheard of. Dental hygienist Matt Crespin told Public Investigator that across the country, people often turn to the ER for urgent dental care but are not aware that ERs usually aren't equipped to treat dental emergencies. And because of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, a federal law that requires hospitals to provide at least a screening to anyone who comes to the ER, hospitals can't turn a patient away. For many, dental care is too expensive and difficult to access, Crespin said, making regular upkeep out of reach. That sends people to ERs with problems that are often preventable. When it comes to dental pain, Crespin said most hospitals can't offer much more than ibuprofen and a referral to a dentist or a specialist. But even a referral can be a challenge, he said. In Wisconsin, only about 30% of dentists accept Medicaid or other state-sponsored plans. "Finding a provider that's willing to take a patient in — particularly one on an emergency basis — can be pretty challenging," Crespin said. People with private dental insurance also face barriers to dental care. According to a 2023 analysis by KFF, a health policy research group, more than one in four adults delayed or skipped some form of health care due to cost, with dental care being the most commonly missed. Nearly half of dentists surveyed in a 2024 American Dental Association report said they were considering dropping more insurance networks or had already done so. The survey found that nearly all dentists who dropped insurance networks last year cited low reimbursement rates as the main reason. Many also cited "administrative burden," the study said. To increase profits, Crespin said many dentists stop accepting private insurance at all, catering instead to patients who can afford to pay out-of-pocket for preventive and cosmetic services. "I drive by a dental office every day near my home in the suburbs of Milwaukee that's advertising teeth whitening and Botox," he said. "That's not treating dental disease." In McCoy's case, the hospital sent him home with instructions to take Tylenol or ibuprofen and contact a dentist in the morning. McCoy ultimately paid his ER bill, but said he did so reluctantly. "I still think it's ridiculous to pay $250 for nothing," he said. Crespin said Wisconsin has earned national recognition for its efforts to expand access to dental care. In 2017, the state became one of the first to allow dental hygienists to provide care without the presence of a licensed dentist. Wisconsin also passed legislation in 2023 to authorize the licensure of dental therapists — mid-level providers who offer preventive and restorative dental care when there are shortages of dentists. They must practice in federally designated shortage areas or serve high-need populations, according to the law. Crespin is also on the advisory committee for a new dental therapy training program at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau that's set to start training providers to practice in places like hospitals, K-12 schools and nursing homes. "We have to continue to find different ways for patients to access dental providers in places where they already are," he said. Crespin, who is also the executive director of the Children's Health Alliance of Wisconsin, said the organization is piloting a project to integrate dental care into pediatrician visits. 'That seems to be helping,' Crespin said, 'but we're still early in that work.' While barriers to dental care remain, there are some local programs working to close the gap, including: DentaMed Healthcare's Mobile Dental Van: Every Thursday, a mobile clinic parked outside of the Sinai Medical Center in Milwaukee treats ER patients referred for dental care on-site. The van also visits schools throughout Milwaukee, Racine and Waukesha to provide free preventive services. Wisconsin Association of Free and Charitable Clinics: You can use their online search tool to find a clinic in your area that provides free care, including dental services. Federally Qualified Health Centers: These are clinics and health centers across Wisconsin that provide low-cost or sliding scale dental care to uninsured, Medicaid, and privately insured patients. Ascension Seton Dental Clinic: Ascension St. Francis Hospital at 3267 S. 16th Street offers a dental clinic for urgent dental services during weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closing earlier at 4:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. The clinic provides low-cost care for patients who may struggle to afford traditional dental treatment. Quinn Clark is a Public Investigator reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be emailed at QClark@ This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: People seeking dental care turn to ERs, then face hefty bills
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A BBB investigator's top tip for reporting scams? Don't be embarrassed
Lisa Schiller, the senior director of investigations and media relations for the Better Business Bureau, spoke to Public Investigator about how consumers can avoid common scams like shopping fraud, computer malware exploitation, fake check scams and more. She spoke at a news conference at the BBB offices on May 8, when dozens of cities across the United States celebrated Scam Survivor Day. The Better Business Bureau created Scam Survivor Day in 2024 to raise awareness about how consumers can avoid scams and report fraud. Gov. Tony Evers, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and West Allis Mayor Dan Devine signed proclamations designating the second Thursday in May as Scam Survivor Day. Here's what Schiller had to say about how consumers can watch out for scams. There are a wide range of scams that target consumers. Some of the most common are identity theft, phishing, sweepstakes and lottery scams, government imposter scams and job scams. In many of these cases, scammers capture a target's personal information and use it to commit other types of fraud. The Better Business Bureau maintains an ongoing list of reported scams and studies about different scam types on its website. "We want to know what scams are out there, because we check that on a daily basis, and then we know what's going on," Schiller said. Schiller told Public Investigator that resolving a scam could take months or years, but it is always worth reporting. Schiller said that in addition to conducting its own investigation, the BBB refers cases to local law enforcement and other local and national agencies. She recommended that individuals who believe they have been targeted by a scam use the Better Business Bureau's Scam Tracker platform to report the incident. With the BBB Scam Tracker, consumers can look up existing scams from a list of over 400,000 reported scams and compare the descriptions to their own circumstance. Alternatively, consumers can submit a scam report that alerts the BBB to investigate and warn others. "Oftentimes, people feel embarrassed. They don't know where to report. They don't want to take the time to report. It's really so important to report those cases to us," Schiller said. Schiller said that it is good practice for consumers to write down the details of their contact with a potential scammer to aid in the investigative process. If possible, consumers should write down any phone numbers or emails associated with the scammer. If a scammer contacted them in person, at home or in public, the consumer can write a description of their appearance, what they were wearing, what type of car they were driving and the license plate. Other critical details include the company that the scammer claims to be associated with and the business address associated with their work. "You should really take those steps right from the beginning, no matter what you're doing or who you're dealing with, and take really good notes," Schiller said. "Keep a notebook handy, write down the date, write down a scenario of what you experienced or what happened or who you dealt with." : The BBB provides a variety of quizzes and videos about how to identify red flags. The guide includes a Risk Calculator which identifies the top scams that users should recognize and the potential financial implications of being targeted. : The BBB Scam Tracker allows people to report scams and read about reported scams locally and nationally. Users are able to search URLs, emails and phone numbers to determine if the person contacting them was flagged as a scammer. : The Scam Survival Toolkit provides a personalized recovery plan and to restore a person's financial and mental well-being after being targeted by a scam. If you have more questions for the Better Business Bureau about scams or consumer protection, let Public Investigator reporter Tamia Fowlkes know at tfowlkes@ This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Q&A: BBB investigator shares tips for reporting scams
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
You ask, we answer: I got a REAL ID in another state. Do I have to apply in Wisconsin all over again?
Starting May 7, everyone 18 and older will be required to have a REAL ID to fly domestically or enter federal buildings. But what if you've recently moved? Even if you have a REAL ID from another state, you'll still need to start over — resubmitting identity documents like your birth certificate, proof of residency, and any records of name changes — to get one in Wisconsin. Rita McCauley said she learned that the hard way. After moving to Wisconsin from Nevada — where McCauley said she already completed the REAL ID application process — she assumed she would automatically qualify for the same status on her new license. But during a recent trip to the DMV, McCauley said she learned she'd have to reapply from scratch. "It's a federal requirement. Why can't we transfer the info that's been verified and update the address?" McCauley asked Public Investigator. As someone who's been married a few times before, McCauley said it's not easy for her to gather all of the documentation required to provide proof of her name changes. Wisconsin DMV spokesperson Terry Walsh told Public Investigator that, due to federal law, there's no way to work around reapplying for REAL ID credentials. Advocates point out that these stringent policies — from applying for a REAL ID to registering to vote — are particularly challenging for women and transgender people, who often change their names or other information on their identity documents. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the requirement comes from the REAL ID Act passed in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses. More: You have until May 7 to get a Real ID in Wisconsin. Here's what happens if you miss the deadline Walsh, the DMV spokesperson, said the REAL ID Act outlines how states must collect and verify identity documents. Even though McCauley was issued a REAL ID in Nevada, she still has to prove she meets the requirements — like proof of residency — in Wisconsin. The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators is a nonprofit organization that supports and connects DMVs across the United States and Canada. The association's CEO Ian Grossman told Public Investigator that the organization's state-to-state verification system helps DMV workers check whether someone has obtained REAL ID status in another state. For example, in McCauley's case, Grossman said the system would allow Wisconsin to notify Nevada that she shouldn't be registered with REAL ID credentials there anymore. However, due to federal law, the system stops short of allowing people to transfer their REAL ID status to other states. Grossman said the association is prepared to update its technology if federal policy ever changes. Alison Gill, director of nominations and democracy at the National Women's Law Center, told Public Investigator that the "deeply personal" choice to change one's name after marriage shouldn't make life more difficult. But from the REAL ID application to registering to vote, Gill said women who have changed their last name are facing far too many unnecessary challenges that lawmakers should take notice of. "This isn't an isolated issue — it's part of a broader pattern of systemic inequality," said Gill. The Women's Law Center is closely following the SAVE Act, she added, a bill that, if passed, would require anyone registering to vote to present documentation of not only their identity but also their citizenship status. The SAVE Act requires that, when registering to vote, the name on your ID or passport matches the name on your birth certificate or naturalization card. However, it doesn't specify what the 69 million American women who took their partner's last name after marriage should do to comply with this rule. "Trans people, who also frequently change their name and information on their identity documents, are also impacted by these measures," Gill said. Women already grapple with wage gaps and health care disparities, Gill said. "The last thing they need to worry about is whether a name change will jeopardize their right to vote or access legal identification," she said. Quinn Clark is a Public Investigator reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be emailed at QClark@ This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Why moving to a new state can force you to restart the REAL ID process
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What is SSA compassionate allowance and how can you get it?
In March 2025, Public Investigator reported on a Wisconsin man who paid into Social Security for years but after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis was unable to get disability benefits. Due to a complex rule tied to the Social Security Administration's Compassionate Allowances program, Michael Kraft had to undergo a five-month waiting period before receiving his first check. At the time, his doctors estimated that he had two weeks to live. If he died before then, his family was guaranteed none of the Social Security funds. Here's what you should know about the program. More: Wisconsin family battles Social Security Administration to secure son's funds before he dies from cancer If you have a serious disease or medical condition and think you qualify for disability benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income, you can ask to expedite your review through something called "compassionate allowance." Compassionate Allowances are expedited reviews of an individual's qualification for disability benefits. The system allows the Social Security Administration to rapidly evaluate applications for rare health conditions, cancers, adult brain disorders and childhood health disorders that fall under the agency's standard for disability if the diagnosis has been confirmed by a doctor. The Social Security Administration has a running list of conditions, diseases and illnesses that are eligible for expedited disability benefits. In order to be eligible, the disability must significantly limit a person's ability to work for at least one year. Currently, over 280 conditions are listed as Compassionate Allowances conditions, including acute leukemia, multiple sclerosis, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, ALS, early onset Alzheimer's disease, pulmonary atresia and mitochondrial disease. If you believe your condition should be added to the list, you can submit the name of a condition for consideration on the Social Security Administration website. The website will ask for information about how the condition is diagnosed, coded, and treated, among other things. You can apply to the compassionate allowances program on the Social Security Administration website, at your local Social Security office or by calling the agency at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 if you have difficulty hearing. You could be eligible if you have a disability that falls under the agency's requirements and if you have a substantial work history. In order to get Social Security Disability Insurance, you must have worked in a job that made regular Social Security contributions, meaning that you were paying a 6.2% tax into the Social Security fund. More: Wisconsin family battles Social Security Administration to secure son's funds before he dies from cancer Applications for Compassionate Allowance are automatically processed with computer screening technology that helps to quickly identify cases with "high probability of allowance," according to the Social Security Administration. Individuals whose disease or condition is on the agency's approved condition list could hear back within several weeks. Since the process requires the evaluation of medical records, depending on the complexity of the case, some reviews could take up to four months. After being approved for the Compassionate Allowances program, you are required to wait five months from the date the agency finds that your disability began before receiving your first payment. Your benefit payments will begin in the sixth month after the date that the agency finds that your disability began. There are no exceptions to the waiting rule, unless you have ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and you are approved for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. According to the Social Security Administration, no other disabilities are granted immediate payment. If you have disability that affects your ability to work for over a year or will result in death, disability benefits could range from $1,620 to $2,700 per month, according to the Social Security Administration. Supplemental Security Income provides monthly payments up to $967 for people with limited income. Some people are eligible for both Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance. You can appeal the denial of a claim for Social Security benefits within 60 days of receiving a determination notice. There are four levels of appeal, including reconsideration, hearing from an administrative law judge, review by an appeals council or federal court review. Tamia Fowlkes is a Public Investigator reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be reached at tfowlkes@ This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What is SSA compassionate allowance and how can you get it?
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
They picked Black Swan MKE for their wedding venue. The company didn't tell them it was being evicted.
Milwaukee-area couples who have weddings scheduled as soon as next month are scrambling after the sudden shutdown of a local wedding company. Wedding planner Veronica Brend contacted Public Investigator after hearing rumors that Black Swan MKE had been evicted from its Third Ward wedding venue building, without informing customers. Brend feared the fallout could be "catastrophic," she said. Online court records confirm that the owners of the historic Third Ward property sued to evict Black Swan MKE in November and that the eviction was granted in December. Wedding planners told Public Investigator that their clients expected to hold their weddings there as soon as April. Some couples were told they had been booked at a new venue that was still under construction, leaving them little time to pivot. Court cases also show the company was facing problems paying its taxes as far back as 2019. Milwaukee wedding planner Heather Farr said two of her clients expected to have their weddings hosted by Black Swan. After she heard the eviction rumors, Farr said she looked up court records to confirm them and notified her clients on Monday. Farr said her clients are now panicking, and Black Swan's apparent closure is also blindsiding vendors who were counting on the venue for business. "(Black Swan) had plenty of time to do the right thing," said Farr. Black Swan MKE is run by father and son duo Peter and Stephen Sheperd. They could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday. According to the Black Swan MKE website, the company began in 2006 in a "northern suburb of Milwaukee." In 2016, the company opened a riverfront location in downtown Milwaukee. It opened two more venues — Plant N° 4 and Bianco Room — in 2019. Eviction records show that Black Swan owes the owners of the Plant No. 4 building over $170,000. However, as of March 19, the Historic Third Ward venue remains on the company's website. Farr said one of her clients who planned to hold their wedding in June was told by Black Swan that they were working on opening a new Milwaukee venue called Eagle's Crest. She said she was initially told that the Eagle's Crest venue was under construction and expected to open in the spring but later heard about delays. This week, Farr said she heard that Black Swan never had permission to book weddings there. "It just keeps kind of unraveling every day," Farr said. Brend, too, said a client was told they had booked the new Eagle's Crest location. Now, her client is working on getting the money they paid for their deposit back. "Their wedding's next year, so they have time to course correct," Brend said. Court filings also show that, as of February, Black Swan is being sued by a couple who claim the company accepted their deposit and then became unreachable. Records show the couple was unable to directly serve Peter and Stephen Sheperd, forcing them to issue a publication summons, or public legal notice, in an attempt to reach them. Through their attorney, the couple declined an interview with Public Investigator. Black Swan is also being sued by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for more than $7,000 in unpaid sales tax, court records show. The company was subject to multiple tax warrants from the Department of Revenue in previous years. In 2019 and 2020, the company owed over $60,000 in tax, which was paid back. Brend said her wedding planning business, Veronica Rose Planning, will help affected couples find a new venue at no cost. "I reached out because I care about the clients, and I want the clients to know, if they lose their venue, that there are resources out there that can help them," Brend said. Ana Cook, marketing director for Saz's Hospitality Group, said the company is assisting at least six couples in securing a new venue at one of its locations. Cook said many Milwaukee vendors are banding together to help couples affected by Black Swan's eviction. "The most positive thing that has come out of this is just showcasing how amazing Milwaukee hospitality is," said Cook. Government corruption. Corporate wrongdoing. Consumer complaints. Medical scams. Public Investigator is a new initiative of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and its sister newsrooms across Wisconsin. Our team wants to hear your tips, chase the leads and uncover the truth. We'll investigate anywhere in Wisconsin. Send your tips to publicinvestigator@ or call 414-319-9061. You can also submit tips at This story has been updated to add a gallery. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Black Swan MKE 'Plant No 4' wedding venue appears to close suddenly
