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The ongoing shutdown of the U.S. federal government has had an adverse effect on numerous other agencies and departments. However, because the shutdown does not affect government subcontractors, the impact on Medicare is limited. Here is what you should know:
- Medicare reporting and Medicare liens – Not affected because both of these processes are managed by government subcontractors.
- Workers’ compensation Medicare set-asides (MSA) – Are not being processed at this time. Although the Worker’s Compensation Review Contractor (WCRC) reviews the MSAs and makes recommendations about the MSA amounts, it is the responsibility of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) regional offices to actually issue the MSA letters. The WCRC is operating, but the regional offices are on furlough. Therefore, we do not expect any MSA letters to be processed during this time.
- Social Security disability status – The Social Security Administration offices are not processing requests to determine a claimant’s Social Security disability status at this time.
As a result of the government shutdown, there will be a delay in receiving MSA letters and responses to Social Security disability status inquiries. We anticipate that the delay will last at least two weeks after the government shutdown ends. It could be longer, however, if the government is not restored in the near future.
If you have any questions, please contact your Sedgwick client services representative or email us at medicarecompliance@sedgwick.com.
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Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc., is the leading North American provider of innovative claims and productivity management solutions. Sedgwick and its affiliated companies deliver cost-effective claims, productivity, managed care, risk consulting, and other services to clients through the expertise of nearly 11,000 colleagues in some 200 offices located in the U.S. and Canada. The company specializes in workers’ compensation; disability, FMLA, and other employee absence; managed care; general, automobile, and professional liability; warranty and credit card claims services; fraud and investigation; structured settlements; and Medicare compliance solutions. Sedgwick and its affiliates design and implement customized programs based on proven practices and advanced technology that exceed client expectations. In 2011 and 2012, the company was named the Best Overall TPA by buyers of risk services through an independent survey conducted by Business Insurance. For more, see www.sedgwick.com.
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Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc. • 1100 Ridgeway Loop Road • Memphis, TN 38120 • 800-625-6588
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