After a car accident, injured motorists often require immediate medical treatment for injuries such as broken bones, burns, cuts, and brain injuries. These car accident injuries demand prompt attention to help ensure a speedy recovery.
However, many people don’t wait for a settlement before seeking medical care. Instead, they rely on their health insurance, such as Medicare, to cover the costs of treatment.
If you are on Medicare, you may be wondering, "Does Medicare pay for auto accident injuries in Washington?" The short answer is yes—Medicare and Medicaid do cover car accident injuries. However, they will expect to be reimbursed for the funds they pay toward your treatment. This means that once you settle your case, you may need to repay Medicare.
At Kapuza Lighty, our experienced personal injury lawyers are ready to assist you with the process. Call (509) 866-4166 or complete our online form for a free consultation.
Reporting Your Car Accident to Medicare
Even if you don’t plan to pursue a personal injury claim, it’s important to report your accident to Medicare. Medicare requires that you reimburse them for any money spent on treating your car accident injuries.
Some people mistakenly believe they can avoid reporting their accident to Medicare, but this is not the case. Medicare will track your medical treatment and recognize if it relates to an accidental injury. If you fail to report the accident, Medicare will likely reach out to you for clarification. Lying about your treatment can result in serious consequences.
To make things easier, stay in contact with a Medicare Coordinator of Benefits (COB) contractor who will manage your case. Fortunately, your personal injury lawyer can handle all communications with Medicare on your behalf, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Paying Back Medicare for Your Car Accident Injuries
Once you’ve reached a settlement or verdict in your case, you must notify Medicare. Your personal injury lawyer cannot release any settlement funds to you until Medicare is notified.
When the settlement is reached, your COB contractor will provide you with an itemized list of all the expenses you must reimburse Medicare for. While Medicare generally seeks 100% reimbursement for its costs, your lawyer can negotiate with Medicare to potentially reduce the amount you owe.
Negotiating with the government can be challenging, but your personal injury attorney is experienced in handling these matters. If you believe some of the treatment expenses were unrelated to the accident, such as for a pre-existing condition, you may be able to appeal these charges.
Understanding Medicare Liens
Medicare places a lien on your settlement until you repay the amount they spent on your medical care. A lien is a legal claim for repayment, meaning your attorney cannot distribute your settlement funds until you reach an agreement with Medicare.
This is where having an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side is crucial. Your attorney can expedite the process and help you reach a fair settlement with Medicare. If there is a legitimate reason to appeal, your lawyer will guide you through the internal appeals process.
Contact a Washington Car Accident Lawyer Today
At Kapuza Lighty, we understand the complexities of dealing with Medicare after a car accident. Our personal injury lawyers will handle all communications with Medicare, ensuring you receive your settlement as quickly as possible.
Instead of contacting Medicare yourself, let us handle it for you. Call (509) 866-4166 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation. Let us help you navigate the process and recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
John Kapuza
Co-Founder & Attorney
Meet Greg Lighty, a highly acclaimed personal injury lawyer and co-founder of Kapuza Lighty Accident Injury Lawyers – Accident Injury Lawyers in Yakima, Washington.
After graduating from the University of Washington School of Law in 1991, Greg returned to his hometown of Yakima, WA, where he has been serving his community ever since. With over 30 years of experience in personal injury cases, Greg is an expert in his field. He has dedicated his practice to helping people who are injured through the fault of others.
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