CMS Updates Workers’ Compensation Medicare-Set Aside Arrangement Reference Guide

On January 10, 2022, CMS Updated Section 4.3 of the Workers’ Compensation Medicare-Set Aside Arrangement Reference Guide. In this update, CMS stated:

The Use of Non-CMS-Approved Products to Address Future Medical Care A number of industry products exist with the intent of indemnifying insurance carriers and CMS beneficiaries against future recovery for conditional payments made by CMS for settled injuries. Although not inclusive of all products covered under this section, these products are most commonly termed “evidence-based” or “non-submit.” 42 C.F.R. 411.46 specifically allows CMS to deny payment for treatment of work-related conditions if a settlement does not adequately protect the Medicare program’s interest. Unless a proposed amount is submitted, reviewed, and approved using the process described in this reference guide prior to settlement, CMS cannot be certain that the Medicare program’s interests are adequately protected. As such, CMS treats the WCMSA Reference Guide 7 use of non-CMS-approved products as a potential attempt to shift financial burden by improperly giving reasonable recognition to both medical expenses and income replacement. As a matter of policy and practice, CMS will deny payment for medical services related to the WC injuries or illness requiring attestation of appropriate exhaustion equal to the total settlement less procurement costs before CMS will resume primary payment obligation for settled injuries or illnesses. This will result in the claimant needing to demonstrate complete exhaustion of the net settlement amount, rather than a CMS-approved WCMSA amount.

In the introduction to this updated version of the WCMSA Reference Guide, CMS noted:

There are no statutory or regulatory provisions requiring that you submit a WCMSA amount proposal to CMS for review. If you choose to use CMS’ WCMSA review process, the Agency requests that you comply with CMS’ established policies and procedures.

If you have any questions about this updated guidance or would like to discuss the same, please feel free to contact one of our Medicare Compliance Group attorneys.