There comes a time in your injury case when you finally reach a settlement agreement of your claims and you have to calculate how the settlement money will be allocated between you, the medical providers/ lien holders and your attorney.
It's important that you keep in mind that if you are represented by an attorney, the claim of your health insurance company and the medical bills of other medical providers who hold a lien against your case are highly negotiable and in most cases they substantially reduce their charges with one or two calls from your injury lawyer.
Under the so-called common fund doctrine, the medical provider should generally reduce their charge by at least the percentage of your attorneys' fees. In other words, if your attorney represents you on a 35% contingency fee, the health care providers who treated you for your injuries should reduce their bills by 35% or more.
Recently, I managed to negotiate a $14,000 bill from Kaiser insurance to under $5,000 because my client's injury settlement was relatively law.
You should remember that the representative of the medical office or the health insurance company you are engaging in negotiations with has a significant degree of discretion in the discount that he will give you on your medical bills. Thus, it's really worth being courteous, and instead of demanding reduction in the medical charges, you should try to evoke sympathy and explain why reducing charges will be fair and necessary in light of your injuries, recovery and likely necessary future treatment, if in fact you believe you will need the same.
An important rule to remember is that if Medi-Cal paid for any of your treatment related to your injury for which you recover a settlement, you and your attorney have an affirmative obligation to reimburse Medi-Cal for at least some of the medical costs they covered. Medi-Cal's lien can also be negotiated, and a useful phone number to have to discuss the lien reduction with medi-cal is (916) 650-0490 (personal injury recovery unit).
10 Comments
9/7/2023 12:39:17 pm
This article provides helpful insights into negotiating medical bills in injury cases. It highlights the importance of discussing bill reductions with healthcare providers and addressing Medi-Cal reimbursements when settling claims.
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2/1/2024 06:08:55 am
This article provides valuable insights into the negotiation process for medical and Medi-Cal bills related to injury cases. It emphasizes the importance of seeking reductions in medical charges and highlights the common fund doctrine, which suggests that medical providers should reduce their bills by a percentage equivalent to the attorney's fees. The personal experience of negotiating a substantial bill reduction from Kaiser insurance adds credibility to the advice given. Furthermore, the article offers a useful phone number for discussing Medi-Cal lien reduction, making it a helpful resource for those navigating the complexities of medical billing in injury cases.
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2/2/2024 04:16:49 am
This piece offers crucial information on how to negotiate medical and Medi-Cal bills in the context of injury claims. It underscores the necessity of pursuing lower medical fees and introduces the common fund doctrine, proposing that healthcare providers should decrease their charges in proportion to the attorney's fees. The author's own successful experience in reducing a bill with Kaiser insurance lends authenticity to the recommendations provided. Additionally, the article includes a valuable contact number for inquiries about reducing Medi-Cal liens, making it a beneficial guide for individuals dealing with the intricacies of medical billing in injury situations.
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2/15/2024 06:11:39 pm
This article provides essential insights into negotiating medical bills and Medi-Cal claims within the realm of injury cases. It highlights the importance of seeking reduced medical costs and discusses the common fund doctrine, suggesting that healthcare providers adjust their fees in line with the attorney's fees. The writer's personal account of successfully negotiating a lower bill with Kaiser insurance adds credibility to the advice given. Furthermore, the piece offers a helpful contact number for those looking to minimize Medi-Cal liens, serving as a useful resource for anyone navigating the complexities of medical billing after an injury.
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2/19/2024 09:55:06 pm
This article provides valuable insights into negotiating medical bills and liens after reaching a settlement agreement in an injury case. The author's firsthand experience and practical tips offer guidance on how to navigate the complex process of reducing medical charges, especially when represented by an attorney. By highlighting the importance of communication, courtesy, and understanding the legal obligations regarding Medi-Cal reimbursement, the article empowers individuals to advocate for fair treatment and allocation of settlement funds. It's reassuring to know that there are strategies available to help manage medical expenses effectively, ensuring that injury victims receive the compensation they deserve without undue financial burden.
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3/19/2024 08:33:19 pm
This article provides valuable insight into negotiating medical bills and liens after reaching a settlement agreement in an injury case, highlighting the importance of understanding your rights and options. It's encouraging to learn that medical bills and liens are often negotiable, potentially resulting in significant reductions in expenses for individuals involved in such cases. The author's personal experience in negotiating a substantial bill down to a more manageable amount demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach. Additionally, the reminder about the obligation to reimburse Medi-Cal for related medical costs underscores the importance of handling such matters responsibly. Overall, this article offers practical advice and empowers readers to advocate for themselves effectively in navigating the financial aspects of injury settlements.
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3/31/2024 08:12:28 pm
This article provides valuable insights into negotiating medical bills and Medi-Cal liens after reaching a settlement in an injury case. The author's experience in successfully negotiating substantial reductions in medical bills highlights the importance of advocating for fair and reasonable charges. The emphasis on maintaining a courteous approach during negotiations and explaining the necessity of reductions based on the severity of injuries and future treatment needs is particularly helpful. Additionally, the reminder about the affirmative obligation to reimburse Medi-Cal and the provided phone number for discussing lien reduction further enhances the practicality of the article. Overall, this piece effectively educates readers on navigating the complex process of negotiating medical bills and Medi-Cal liens, empowering them to ensure fair allocation of settlement funds. Great job on providing such valuable guidance and resources to those dealing with injury settlements!
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4/7/2024 10:55:01 pm
This article offers valuable guidance on negotiating medical bills and liens following a settlement agreement in an injury case. Drawing from the author's firsthand experience and practical insights, it provides valuable tips for navigating the intricate process of reducing medical charges, particularly with legal representation. By emphasizing the significance of effective communication, courtesy, and understanding legal obligations, especially regarding Medi-Cal reimbursement, the article empowers individuals to advocate for fair treatment and proper allocation of settlement funds. It's comforting to learn that there are strategies available to assist in managing medical expenses efficiently, thereby ensuring that injury victims receive the compensation they rightfully deserve without enduring undue financial strain.
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4/10/2024 06:22:27 am
This article offers invaluable insights into negotiating medical bills and liens subsequent to reaching a settlement agreement in an injury case. Drawing from the author's firsthand experience and practical advice, it provides guidance on navigating the intricate process of reducing medical charges, particularly when represented by an attorney. By emphasizing the significance of effective communication, courtesy, and comprehension of legal obligations concerning Medi-Cal reimbursement, the article empowers individuals to advocate for equitable treatment and appropriate allocation of settlement funds. It's reassuring to discover that there are strategies accessible to assist in effectively managing medical expenses, thereby ensuring that injury victims receive rightful compensation without enduring undue financial strain.
Reply
4/17/2024 12:35:02 am
This article provides invaluable insights into negotiating medical bills and liens after reaching a settlement agreement in an injury case. Drawing from the author's firsthand experience and practical advice, it offers guidance on navigating the complex process of reducing medical charges, especially when represented by an attorney. By highlighting the importance of effective communication, courtesy, and understanding of legal obligations regarding Medi-Cal reimbursement, the article empowers individuals to advocate for fair treatment and proper allocation of settlement funds. It's reassuring to learn that there are strategies available to help effectively manage medical expenses, ensuring that injury victims receive rightful compensation without enduring excessive financial burden.
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