AboutKyla Kelim Expertise I can answer Medicare and Medicaid questions on a federal level but many state specific requirements would not permit more than a general answer for many specific questions regarding health insurance issues.
Experience I have practiced law in Florida and Alabama for 15 years. My firm has over 60 years collective experience in elder law issues, including Medicare, Medicare D, Medi-gap and related health insurance issues as well as nursing home Medicaid eligibility.
Organizations Alabama State Bar
Florida State Bar
Education/Credentials Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, J.D. 1993
University of New Orleans, B.S. Business Administration 1990
Expert: Kyla Kelim Date: 5/15/2008 Subject: Accident and medicaid
Question I had an accident last year and at the time I was covered by Medicaid(MISSOURI). I am going to recieve my settlemen in the next week but my Attorney says that I have to pay Medicaid back. Is that true?? And do they usually want all of it back or a certain percent? My settlement is less than my insurance bills!!!
Answer Yes, you have to pay Medicaid before anyone, including your attorney. Medicaid will typically discount the amount to be paid back in order to factor in attorneys fees, however each state will differ on how their recovery operates. Some will negotiate more freely than others. I do not practice law in Missouri so I will have to defer to your attorney. If he routinely does this type of work, I would assume he is used to dealing with this issue.
