Workers’ compensation: A look at Medicare set-aside agreements

As nearly everyone knows, a work accident resulting in injury can take away your income for a long time. While many work accidents are relatively minor, others may lead to significant injuries or even long-term disability. Victims in Connecticut can rely on workers’ compensation to replace lost wages and cover medical expenses. However, what happens if workers face a partial, temporary or permanent disability?

In many cases, these work accident victims may eventually be eligible for benefits under the Medicare program. However, in order to avoid depleting the nation’s Medicare funds, victims are often required to file a Workers’ Compensation Medicare Set-Aside Arrangement (WCMSA). This is essentially a financial agreement in which a part of the injured employee’s available workers’ compensation funds is set aside in a trust to help cover treatment costs on a long-term basis.

Before the injured worker can access the Medicare program, all of the funds set aside in the WCMSA must be used. When executed properly, a WCMSA can be beneficial to work accident victims. For example, knowing that you have these funds set aside in a trust can relieve much of the anxiety associated with the required treatment for a long-term disability.

Due to the complex nature of these Medicare set-aside arrangements, it is wise to seek legal guidance. By consulting with a lawyer before entering into a WCMSA, you can help ensure that you have adequate workers’ compensation benefits for your immediate medical needs as well as future needs. With proper planning and professional assistance, you can make sure that your worker’s compensation claim will protect you for the duration of your recovery.