Beginning on January 1, 2010, extensive new Medicare reporting obligations will apply to insurance companies and other businesses that make payments to Medicare beneficiaries as a result of litigation claims. The obligations extend to businesses that cover private health insurance, workers' compensation claims programs, no-fault insurance, liability insurance and self-insured businesses. These organizations—known as Responsible Reporting Entities ("RREs")—will be required to report virtually all payments to Medicare beneficiaries, including settlements and payments made as a result of litigation, so that Medicare may determine whether it has a stake in any part of the payment. Failure to report may result in significant financial penalties.

Please see full alert below for more information.