Important Information for Attorneys Representing Current and Potential Medicare Recipients
Recipients of Social Security disability insurance benefits become entitled to both Medicare A and B coverage in the 25th month following the first month of benefit eligibility. For persons who are receiving workers' compensation benefits, and who also are (or may become) eligible for Social Security benefits and Medicare, questions frequently arise about potential conflicts between the medical coverage provided by the workers’ compensation carrier, and that provided by Medicare.
These questions are most critical at the time the workers’ compensation case is settled. Applicants fear the total loss of coverage unless funds are set aside for future medical care. Carriers fear that Medicare will impose liability on them for an impermissible shift of the medical burden onto Medicare. How should settlements be written so as to coordinate the proper allocation of benefits?
Until now, the Social Security Administration has provided little help. However, a new government web site is providing useful and important information on these issues:
The website provides information on the legal requirements for Medicare and how to contact a Coordinator of Benefits (COB) Contractor. There are also related links that provide further specialized information.
