VIDEO: Ricketts Celebrates Recent Casework Wins
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, during his weekly press call with Nebraska media, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) discussed his work serving constituents and recent casework wins for Nebraskans.
”I’m proud of our work to cut red tape and deliver wins for Nebraskans,” said Ricketts. “In 2024, we helped nearly 800 Nebraskans access federal services. We also helped constituents save or recover nearly $5 million from the federal government. We continue that work this year and have already returned $1.3 million in constituent savings for Nebraskans.”
Watch the video HERE.
TRANSCRIPT:
Senator Ricketts: ”When I was Governor, we focused on providing great services to Nebraskans.
“The federal government should do the same.
“Now that I’m in the Senate, my team and I are here to help Nebraskans navigate the bureaucracy.
“We have offices in Scottsbluff, Kearney, Lincoln, Omaha, and Washington, D.C.
“Our team is specially trained in assisting constituents with concerns and complaints.
“We can also answer questions about services, eligibility, or benefits from federal agencies like Veterans Affairs, Medicare, or the Internal Revenue Service.
“I’m proud of our work to cut red tape and deliver wins for Nebraskans.
“In 2024, we helped nearly 800 Nebraskans access federal services.
“We also helped constituents save or recover nearly $5 million from the federal government.
“We continue that work this year and have already returned $1.3 million in constituent savings for Nebraskans.
“One example is Richard.
“Richard is in the Panhandle.
“He’s a disabled veteran.
“His disability requires him to get significant help for everyday tasks, like going through his mail.
“Late last year, the VA notified Richard that he owed nearly $20,000.
“This was because his dependent status had not been updated since 2015.
“Richard was shocked by this, as he had never been informed an update was needed.
“That’s because his VA notices had been thrown away without his awareness.
“Richard contacted my office in Lincoln after trying for months to submit the needed paperwork.
“This disabled veteran had no way of repaying this debt that he incurred accidentally.
“My team got involved and helped establish a claim.
“The VA updated his dependent status which wiped away Richard’s debt, saving him nearly $20,000.
“Other times, oversight means ensuring Nebraska companies are not overlooked on federal directories.
“A healthcare provider in Eastern Nebraska reached out to my office.
“They are an in-network provider for TRICARE.
“TRICARE is the health care program that serves our military members, veterans, and their families.
“However, TRICARE’s website failed to list this provider as an acceptable option.
“That simple omission caused serious confusion.
“Patients didn’t know they could get care from this provider.
“As a result, this provider faced an estimated $150,000 in lost revenue.
“My team reached out to TriWest, a contractor who manages TRICARE’s network in our region.
“We pushed them to fix the website and ensure this provider was listed correctly.
“Thanks to our efforts, the problem was resolved.
“The VA website was updated.
“Now, military families and veterans who are TRICARE beneficiaries can see this proud Nebraska company listed as a trusted, in-network provider.
“That’s not just a win for this provider.
“It’s a win for every Nebraskan who depends on clear information and quality care.
“These are just two of many examples of how my team and I work every day to help Nebraskans navigate the federal bureaucracy.
“We’re continuing the fight to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure federal agencies serve the people.
“From streamlining government to cutting taxes on Social Security, tips, and military retirement benefits, I’ll keep working to make government work better.
“We’re going to continue delivering excellent customer service for our constituents.
“Nebraskans deserve nothing less.”