By Curcio Law | Alexandria, Virginia
If you’re a Medicare or TRICARE recipient with an active personal injury case, you may be wondering how the federal government shutdown affects your claim. The short answer: while there may be delays, your case and your lien rights remain fully intact.
The most important thing to know is that these liens are delayed, not eliminated.
At Curcio Law, we’re monitoring the situation closely and continuing to advocate for our clients to ensure that every settlement, reimbursement, and payment process remains on track.
What Are Medicare and TRICARE Liens?
When you’re injured and your medical care is paid for by Medicare or TRICARE, these programs have the right to be reimbursed from any settlement or verdict you receive later. This is known as a lien.
Here’s how it works:
- Medicare and TRICARE act as secondary payors when another party (like an at-fault driver’s insurance company) is legally responsible for your injuries.
- When your case resolves, those programs must be repaid for the costs of treatment they covered related to your accident.
- Federal law requires attorneys to confirm and pay these liens before disbursing settlement funds to clients.
How the Shutdown Affects Lien Processing
Because Medicare and TRICARE are federal programs, some aspects of lien processing may be temporarily slowed or paused during the shutdown. This includes:
- Processing or confirming lien amounts
- Negotiating reductions or disputes
- Access to customer service representatives at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or the Defense Health Agency
Once the government reopens, a backlog is expected, which may extend the time it takes to finalize lien resolutions and disburse settlements.
What This Means for Your Case
If you’re waiting on a settlement that involves Medicare or TRICARE payments:
- Your case is still moving forward. Any delay relates only to lien verification and reimbursement, not the validity of your claim.
- Your attorney may temporarily hold funds in trust until the exact lien amount is confirmed.
- You will receive your full settlement as soon as all required reimbursements are processed and approved.
Rest assured, your compensation is protected, and your rights remain unchanged.
Our Guidance to Clients
Curcio Law has decades of experience handling Medicare and TRICARE liens. During this shutdown period, we are:
- Staying in contact with lien administrators and federal points of contact
- Tracking all updates to government operations that may impact lien processing
- Proactively preparing client trust accounts so disbursements can be made as soon as lien figures are finalized
If you have questions about your case or are unsure how your benefits might be affected, please reach out. Our team is here to provide clarity and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who handles lien processing?
- TRICARE: The Defense Health Agency and its contractors
- Medicare: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) through the Benefits Coordination & Recovery Center (BCRC)
Can liens be negotiated or waived?
Yes, but waivers are rare. Experienced attorneys can often negotiate reductions depending on the circumstances of your case.
Will I still owe Medicare or TRICARE after the shutdown?
Yes. The obligation to reimburse remains. The shutdown only delays processing — it does not cancel the lien.
A Message from Curcio Law
Government shutdowns can create uncertainty, but your case remains a priority. Our team continues to handle every step with care, transparency, and compliance to ensure your rights are protected.
If you have concerns about how the shutdown might impact your case, call or text (703) 836-3366 or contact us online.
