Hi All,
I'm fairly new here and so glad to find this community.
I think I was on here few years ago, but lost my password. Lol!
A little about me. I live in California, have multiple injuries, which are healing. I recently retired from my job after several surgeries, chronic pain, etc. I'm about to Settle my case (few weeks!). I have no clue how much though? I guess it's decided at the settlement conference. I'm on SSDI and soon to have Medicare.
My attorney informed me about my future Medical options; including the medicare Set-aside acct. ugh! I've been doing some research, and it sounds daunting! I had hoped to be done with WC system...especially anyone deciding my course of treatment, or who I see. There is the possibility of future surgeries and I believe I have high impairment ratings.
So, I totally understand why Medicare doesn't want to be on the hook for Industrial Injuries, but Self-administered, really?? I asked my attorney if we could just give medicare the pot of money, but he said No. I'd just love to spend a month at a Wellness Rehab for WC survivors and be done with it.
So, here are my questions:
1. Is it better to take a Lump-sum or Staggered settlement for the MSA. (Attorney said employer will "Sweeten the Pot" if I take the latter.)
2. I prefer Alternative Healthcare (chiropractor, acupuncture, massage, holistic...). I've had many surgeries and frankly I'm done. Can I use the MSA for holistic medicine, if they accept Medicare rates?
3. What if i see a Doc for several problems during one visit, both industrial and non-industrial. How is that billed for, or do I pay for it with the MSA?
4. Are there systems or spreadsheets for tracking the expenditures. It's not my strong point (never balanced a checkbook!).
5. Also, any suggestions for the Perm Disability settlement? I think it's based on ratings and paid weekly or monthly. I hope it doesn't interfere with my SSDI though. He said I'm also getting a Voucher for School or re-training, if I want.
Thank you very much!!!
Wishing everyone Healing and Ease on this wild journey.
I'm fairly new here and so glad to find this community.

A little about me. I live in California, have multiple injuries, which are healing. I recently retired from my job after several surgeries, chronic pain, etc. I'm about to Settle my case (few weeks!). I have no clue how much though? I guess it's decided at the settlement conference. I'm on SSDI and soon to have Medicare.
My attorney informed me about my future Medical options; including the medicare Set-aside acct. ugh! I've been doing some research, and it sounds daunting! I had hoped to be done with WC system...especially anyone deciding my course of treatment, or who I see. There is the possibility of future surgeries and I believe I have high impairment ratings.
So, I totally understand why Medicare doesn't want to be on the hook for Industrial Injuries, but Self-administered, really?? I asked my attorney if we could just give medicare the pot of money, but he said No. I'd just love to spend a month at a Wellness Rehab for WC survivors and be done with it.

So, here are my questions:
1. Is it better to take a Lump-sum or Staggered settlement for the MSA. (Attorney said employer will "Sweeten the Pot" if I take the latter.)
2. I prefer Alternative Healthcare (chiropractor, acupuncture, massage, holistic...). I've had many surgeries and frankly I'm done. Can I use the MSA for holistic medicine, if they accept Medicare rates?
3. What if i see a Doc for several problems during one visit, both industrial and non-industrial. How is that billed for, or do I pay for it with the MSA?
4. Are there systems or spreadsheets for tracking the expenditures. It's not my strong point (never balanced a checkbook!).
5. Also, any suggestions for the Perm Disability settlement? I think it's based on ratings and paid weekly or monthly. I hope it doesn't interfere with my SSDI though. He said I'm also getting a Voucher for School or re-training, if I want.
Thank you very much!!!
Wishing everyone Healing and Ease on this wild journey.