New Settlement Law Could Create CMS Headaches for Payers

By John P. Kamin, ReporterA new law will force Illinois payers' attorneys to take extra precautions in settling personal injury and wrongful death cases to avoid incurring unnecessary liability under the Medicare Secondary Payer Act, a Medicare reimbursement expert says.Senate Bill 1912 survived some tough votes in the Illinois General Assembly during the 2013 legislative session, but Gov. Pat Quinn finally signed the bill into law on Aug. 26. The bill, which takes effect on Jan. 1, 2014, accelerates the settlement process in personal injury, wrongful death, property damage or other tort c...