Paso Robles, CA asked in Personal Injury for Indiana

Q: Do I need to repay Medicare for a trip and fall hospital bill that a homeowners insurance has offered to partially pay?

I had no dental insurance and paid $8700 out of pocket. Medicare and supplement paid $1000 for an $8500 Hospital ER visit. Now USAA claims I was partially negligent and will only pay $13,000 total.

If I repay Medicare, it seems that would expose me to full payment for hospital bill.

I was never asked at hospital if other insurance was involved.

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1 Lawyer Answer
John Paul Young
John Paul Young
Answered
  • INDIANAPOLIS, IN
  • Licensed in Indiana

A: Because you are receiving money as a result of an injury claim, the short answer is yes, you are required to repay Medicare. BUT, because of write downs you will not have to pay as much as you think. Medicare writes down medical bills significantly. So, even though the amount billed is $8,500.00, the amount Medicare paid will likely be a great deal less. So the amount you have to repay Medicare will be no more than what Medicare pays. The hospital is bound to take the Medicare payment as payment in full and so will not come to you for the balance. If you do not pay Medicare, Medicare can withhold payment on future medical bills until the amount it is owed is covered. Source: John P. Young, Young and Young, Indianapolis. john@youngandyoungin.com.

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