Accident Settlements Slowing Due to Delays in Medicare Responses

A number of trial lawyers say that Medicare is slowing lien settlements, thus prolonging final resolution and distribution of money damages to accident victims. Medicare beneficiaries, who have been hospitalized from injuries received in an accident, must reimburse Medicare for the amount of their hospital costs once a settlement with the responsible parties has been reached. However, it may take as long as a year or more to find out how much is owed to Medicare. Officials at Medicare acknowledge the delays and “lack of good customer service” yet seem unable to improve response times. (7/11) Bellingham Herald