Millions of Americans have Medicare as their primary health insurance. Any of those who also have a personal injury liability or workers' compensation claim will likely receive a letter from Medicare discussing Medicare's right to recovery and its status as "secondary payer."
Medicare is essentially the "payer of last resort." In the event of a liability or workers' compensation claim, federal law provides that any sums for medical treatment paid by the liability insurer or workers' compensation are primarily liable. Medicare has a right to be reimbursed from this recovery for any amounts it paid toward the injured person's healthcare. If the injured person fails to adequately reimburse Medicare, this could result in that person losing part or all of her Medicare benefits. Medicare can also seek to recover this money directly from the injured person.
Medicare is an enormous piece of federal legislation. The secondary payer provisions are equally complicated. A qualified and skilled personal injury and workers' comp attorney can guide you through the process for resolving Medicare's lien. A good attorney can also work to reduce Medicare's lien so the injured person receives more money in her pocket.
Don't let complicated Medicare laws stand in the way of resolving a personal injury or workers' comp claim. Get a skilled and aggressive lawyer to work hard for you. If you've been injured, get serious and get Gulf South Law.