Starting in 2009, carriers with primary responsibility for medical coverage will be required to report any settlement, judgment, award or instances in which such responsibility ceases. The reporting is due the quarter after the cessation of medical benefits. Further, the Clamant’s governmental benefit status must be confirmed. Failure to comply can result in a $1,000 per day penalty. 

What It Means to You

The federal government is getting serious about stemming the transfer of medical liability to Medicare and is examining not only workers’ compensation, but general liability as well. Make sure that your office is up to date with the new reporting law by consulting with a Cipriani & Werner attorney or by visiting www.cms.hhs.gov/mandatoryinsrep.