Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Medicare Settlement Term Date Question

Question
If one previously entered into an agreement with Medicare on past and future liens on various cases but the funding of the settlement occurs after 1/1/2010 are these new requirements applicable and will funding be delayed?

Answer
Your answer depends on the settlement terms. Our position concerning conditions precedent to settlement funding is that if the settlement agreement is complete before 1/1/2010, but the timing of payment, as an administrative matter occurs thereafter, that settlement should not be reportable. If, on the other hand, there is the potential of funds reverting back to the paying parties, or there is a condition, such as minor settlement approval, that if not met, would preclude any payment from occurring, in that case, when the final condition precluding payment has been satisfied, you have a reportable event under the MMSEA.

Sylvius von Saucken