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How does Medicare affect personal injury settlement compensation?

Transcript:

Medicare is an entitlement program that provides health insurance for most Americans aged 65 and older, and to younger persons with certain disabilities and diseases.

Since Medicare is an entitlement program, rather than a needs program, a personal injury settlement or verdict will not affect a person’s eligibility to receive Medicare benefits.

However, by operation of law, Medicare has a “first right of recovery” against any compensation that is related to treatment in which Medicare has paid. For nursing home neglect victims, to the extent that Medicare paid for any of the treatment, then Medicare is entitled to be paid back that amount from any settlement by the liable party.

In fact, Medicare’s right to reimbursement stands ahead of any other party, including other government programs like Medicaid. Even further, Medicaid must be paid prior to the distribution of the settlement to the client or the client’s attorney.

In essence, Medicare has a ‘lien’ against the proceeds of a personal injury settlement. But, like most liens, this amount can be negotiated down in order to put more money in the pocket of the client.

This is why it is very important for a Medicare recipient who has been injured at a nursing home or assisted living facility to hire a personal injury lawyer. An experienced personal injury lawyer can negotiate with Medicare to reduce the lien amount. Because Medicare does not have its own ‘collections’ department, the personal injury lawyer basically acts as a money collector for the government, i.e., going after the at-fault party for compensation. Since Medicare would not receive that money without the injured person hiring the lawyer, it reduces the lien amount as an incentive.

If your loved one has been injured at a nursing home or assisted living facility, and you are wondering how Medicare benefits will be affected, or how Medicare repayment will work, then please, feel free to call and speak to one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyers today. Our consultations are always free.

FAQs

• Are Medicare benefits required to be repaid in certain situations?
  • In some cases, Medicare may be entitled to reimbursement for medical expenses paid on behalf of a beneficiary who later receives a settlement or award from a liable third party, such as in personal injury cases. This process, known as Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) recovery, requires the repayment of Medicare’s conditional payments to ensure that the program is properly reimbursed for the costs of medical treatment related to the injury or illness. Failing to repay Medicare can result in legal consequences, including penalties and potential liability for repayment. A Georgia nursing home abuse lawyer can provide legal guidance and representation to individuals navigating MSP recovery requirements, advocating for fair treatment and compliance with Medicare’s reimbursement regulations.
• What constitutes a settlement payment from Medicare?
  • A settlement payment from Medicare refers to compensation received by a beneficiary as a result of a legal settlement or judgment in a personal injury case where Medicare has paid for related medical expenses. These settlement payments are subject to Medicare’s reimbursement rules, which require beneficiaries to repay Medicare for the conditional payments made on their behalf. A Georgia nursing home abuse lawyer can provide legal assistance to individuals involved in personal injury cases where Medicare’s reimbursement rights are implicated, helping navigate the complexities of MSP recovery, negotiating with Medicare, and ensuring compliance with reimbursement obligations to protect the client’s interests.
• What is the typical amount of compensation awarded in personal injury settlements?
  • The amount of compensation awarded in personal injury settlements can vary widely depending on factors such as the severity of the injury, the extent of damages suffered, liability issues, and the strength of the evidence supporting the claim. There is no set amount for personal injury settlements, as each case is unique and may involve different considerations. Settlements may encompass various types of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs. Consulting with a qualified attorney experienced in personal injury cases, such as a Georgia nursing home abuse lawyer, can provide valuable insight into the potential value of a claim and help maximize the recovery for the injured party.
• Does Medicare provide coverage for injuries sustained in car accidents?
  • Medicare may provide coverage for medical expenses related to injuries sustained in car accidents, depending on various factors such as the type of coverage the beneficiary has, the nature of the injuries, and other insurance arrangements in place. However, Medicare’s coverage is generally secondary to any other insurance coverage, and beneficiaries may be required to reimburse Medicare for conditional payments made on their behalf. A Georgia nursing home abuse lawyer can offer legal guidance and representation to individuals involved in car accidents who are seeking compensation for injuries, assisting with navigating Medicare coverage and reimbursement issues to ensure proper care and protection of the client’s rights.