Finding Hidden Coverage: The PAID Act

Did you know that Medicare has data on its beneficiaries’ Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplemental Plans, Medicare Part D Drug Plans, and even Medicaid coverage?

Currently, CMS does not provide that additional coverage information to either plaintiffs (and their attorneys) or defendants in the Non-Group Health Plan realm. The Medicare Advocacy Recovery Coalition (“MARC”) is trying to change that. MARC was formed in September 2008 in an attempt to improve the Medicare Secondary Payer (or Medicare Lien) system. Its greatest success to date was the passage of the SMART Act in 2013. That act gave us Medicare’s Final Conditional Payment process.

Now, MARC is trying to pass a new reform called the PAID Act. For our purposes, the PAID Act is helpful in providing non-Medicare insurance information where the plaintiff has been unable to do so. This means that both plaintiff attorneys and defense carriers will have access to determine other potential lien holders. Both sides will know whether the plaintiff is a Medicare Advantage or Supplement, Medicare Part D, or Medicaid beneficiary before settlement.

As we wait for the PAID Act to pass, you’re going to need some help! Please reach out to Massive for any lien help you need – Medicare Liens or otherwise – at 844.MED.LIEN or 844.633.5436!