We consider requests from Medicare set-aside companies as non-program related requests.
Therefore, we must charge and collect fees prior to disclosing any information. Some
companies may insist that the requested information relates to administering Medicare
or workers’ compensation programs. Nonetheless, Medicare or worker’s compensation
programs are third party private commercial entities, which are not directly responsible for administering
health and income maintenance programs under the Social Security Act. Medicare set-aside companies act as advocates for attorneys, carriers, and claimants
in coordinating workers’ compensation and Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid
benefits. As such, we must charge and collect fees for providing the requested information.
See GN 03311.005 for additional information on charging fees for record requests.