The rule doesn’t require hospitals to bill Medicare at all, as they can rely on liability insurers for payment. Medicare will act as the secondary payer after liability insurers.
The decision overturned an appeals court ruling from earlier this year that allowed hospitals to create liens against patients’ personal injury settlements instead of billing Medicare or Medicaid.
The law is meant to protect patients against hospitals with aggressive billing and collections practices.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.