As your workers’ comp claim comes to a close (it does actually happen), you may be asked to provide information to the insurance carrier regarding Medicare information.  This will most likely be the case if you have a lot of life experience (are older).  If you’re young the only time it would typically be requested is if you are suffering from kidney failure.

The bottom line is you will have yet one more form to fill before you can put your claim to bed.  This is because the federal government wants to know how much money has been allocated for the future medical care of your work injury.  They do not want to pay for something that is considered in the settlement of your workers’ comp claim:  the cost associated with your future medical care.

This is all to “coordinate benefits” between Medicare and the workers’ comp insurance carrier.  Remember, in workers’ comp you are receiving benefits associated with your injury, not damages like in a personal injury lawsuit.

If you are presented with a “Medicare questionnaire form” don’t panic.  Simply read the instructions and fill it out.  You only need to provide your social security number if the Medicare claim number is unavailable.  You will be required to sign the form before you send it in.

To summarize, if you are less than 65 and have been receiving Social Security Disability for 2 or more years, or if you are 65 or older, or if you are suffering from kidney failure, Medicare is going to want to know about your workers’ compensation claim.

Rodman Martin, Esq

When applying for Social Security Disability please allow at least 3 to 5 months for your application to be processed. This only applies to open cases. If you would like to apply online go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability/