Hunter’s Article Examines Medicare Benefit Denials
(UCBJ) – Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning’s Joshua Hunter has received the 2026 NAELA John J. Regan Writing Award from the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, a professional association focused on improving the quality of legal services for older Americans and individuals with disabilities.
The annual award recognizes exceptional authorship and thought leadership in the NAELA Journal.
The honor recognizes the legacy of John J. Regan, a founding NAELA member and pioneer in elder law whose leadership helped shape NAELA’s ethical and holistic culture. The award seeks to inspire continued excellence and innovation in scholarly contributions to the elder and special needs law community.
Hunter’s article explores the viability of “constructive removal” as a new avenue to address systemic and strategic denials of Medicare benefits.
“While I am thankful for this award, I am sorry our Medicare system has allowed people to be harmed by this due process violation. Now we must do something about it,” Hunter said.
Hunter joined Johnson McGinnis in 2018 as a public benefits specialist, bringing years of experience supporting older adults and their families throughout Tennessee. He later attended the Nashville School of Law, graduating at the top of his class in 2024. He now serves as an adjunct professor mentoring future attorneys.
His practice at Johnson McGinnis focuses on estate planning and elder law services.
“Josh’s recognition with the NAELA John J. Regan Writing Award reflects his unwavering commitment to advocating for older adults and vulnerable individuals,” said Barbara McGinnis, partner at Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning. “We are incredibly proud of the meaningful impact he continues to make on our clients and the elder law profession.”
Based in Hendersonville with a satellite office in Cookeville, Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning serves clients throughout Middle Tennessee. The firm assists clients in addressing the legal, financial and personal challenges of aging, chronic illness and disability.
The organization has more than 4,000 members and 32 active state chapters.
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