8.
How long does it take to get an MSA approved by CMS?
It
can take anywhere from 40 days to several months to obtain The Centers for
Medicare and Medicare Services (CMS) approval of a Medicare Set-aside (MSA).
There are two things that can be done to ensure the best possible turnaround
time. First, if at all possible, the MSA proposal should be submitted to CMS in
electronic format (on a cd-rom). All of
CMS requirements for electronic submission should be addressed. If a paper
file is submitted, it takes CMS approximately four (4) to six (6) weeks to scan
that information into its system. By submitting the proposal in electronic
format, CMS does not have to take the time to scan in all of the documents.
Second, the submission
should be complete. CMS provides a
check list of items that it requires when reviewing an MSA proposal. Making
sure that all of the requested items are present can reduce the time it takes
for CMS to request and receive missing items. A sample submission proposal can
be found
here.
BACK
All of the content was
prepared by Michael R. Merlino II, an attorney in Georgia who focuses on his
practice primarily on MSAs. He prepares MSAs for many large self-insureds and
insurance companies. If you have questions, he can be contacted at 770-374-3697
or
mmerlino@gmail.com. He also has a website devoted to MSAs, which is updated
frequently: www.wcmsainfo.com
© 2007
Wisconsin Association of Worker’s Compensation Attorneys, Inc, and Michael R.
Merlino II. All rights reserved.
