529s vs. Annuities – Comparing Principal Security
A recent article (December 18, 2011) in the Los Angeles Times discussed the track record of 529s and found that timing has much to do with how a 529 account ultimately performs.
U.S. Treasuries Provide Diversification to Structured Settlements
Not all structured settlements begin and end with a life insurance annuity. A number of investment options are available when creating a structured settlement to meet an injured party's financial needs.
Tax-Deferred Structures in Non-Traditional Cases [The Gavel, Summer 2011]
Attorneys are beginning to look beyond cases typically targeted for structured settlements and recommending the settlement option to clients in a number of non-traditional, non-physical injury recoveries. Almost any type of non-physical settlement can and is being structured.
Reinsurance Agreements Offered through MetLife
MetLife is offering reinsurance agreements that enable the transfer of periodic payment obligations not assignable under Internal Revenue Code Section 130 from one licensed insurance company to another.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Announced Tiered Delays for TPOC Reporting
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced September 30 that it has revised the reporting implementation timeline for certain liability insurance (including self-insurance) for Total Payment Obligation to the Claimant (TPOC) settlements, judgments, awards and other payments.
New Non-Profit to Provide Free Medicare Set-Aside Administration Beginning October 1
A new not-for-profit group, the Medicare Secondary Payer Charitable Foundation (MSPCF), announced it will provide free Medicare Set-Aside administration for qualified beneficiaries starting October 1.
Preserving Plaintiff’s Medi-Cal and Medicare Benefits [The Advocate – September 2011]
Settling a case can be a cumbersome, time consuming and a frustrating experience for all parties. When the complexities of public-benefit programs such as Medicare and Medi-Cal are added to the settlement mix, it’s no wonder plaintiff attorneys seek assistance in understand¬ing the necessary legal measures required to ensure their settlements comply with the law and protects their client’s current and future interests.
New York Court Denies Transfer of Structured Payments to Factoring Company
More and more, court oversight into structured settlement payment transfers is doing what it was intended to do: protect a structured settlement recipient's best interests. That’s demonstrated by the judicial opinions in which courts take a closer look at proposed transfers of structured settlement payment rights and inquire into the details of the payee’s financial
The Challenge of Determining Life Expectancy in Catastrophic Injury Cases
Life expectancy is not normally a subject that comes up in everyday conversation. Yet for personal injury attorneys, determining the life expectancy of a catastrophically injured client is critical when it comes to structuring a proper settlement that will enable the injured party to lead a comfortable life.
Practicing Law | Aikido-Style
Creating a structured settlement for an injury victim involves give and take on both sides. Unfortunately, there is almost always an adversarial element to the discussions that can, at its worst, lead to unnecessary conflict. Some say it is all part of the practice of law, but is it always best for the client?