Medicare Reauthorization Could Impact Workers’ Comp

The US Senate easily passed the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (HR 2) and President Obama is expected to sign the legislation into law. 

The Act could impact workers’ compensation reimbursement rates when they are tied to Medicare reimbursement.

One amendment provides for a further delay in effective date to Oct. 1, 2017 of provisions enacted in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 that expanded authority of state Medicaid plans to seek recovery of Medicaid expenditures from third parties that have a legal liability to pay for care and services.

Although the number of individuals who qualify for Medicaid and workers’ compensation is small, the language enacted in 2013 could have an impact on workers’ compensation settlements involving individuals also covered under Medicaid.

The delay to October, 2017, provides additional time to assess the potential impact of the provision. 

For more information, contact CBIA’s Bonnie Stewart at 860.944.8788 | bonnie.stewart@cbia.com | @CBIAbonnie