Can I include coverage for ongoing treatment or future surgeries in my settlement?
Answer
Many times, a settlement will account for future treatment and care, which can either be included as part of the lump sum—adding value to compensate for those future needs—or handled separately. If the insurance company settles with you, permanently ending their obligation to cover medical expenses, you must carefully consider the financial impact of that release and ensure the settlement reflects its true cost. Alternatively, if you are on or eligible for Medicare, a Medicare Set-Aside (MSA) account may be established, funded by the insurer as part of the settlement. This MSA is separate from your lump-sum payment and is specifically designated to cover future medical expenses related to your injury, ensuring Medicare is not burdened with those costs.
For guidance, our workcover compensation lawyers can assist you in understanding how settlements work. You can also review our denied claim appeal in RI for broader information on Rhode Island workers’ compensation.
Related topics you may find helpful include estimate future medical expenses, lawyer help decide settlement option, and downsides to taking lump-sum.