The recent Claims and Litigation Management (CLM) Workers Comp with Purpose conference in Nashville centered on collaborative approach.
Collaboration remains the most reliable engine for better outcomes in workers’ compensation. When claims leaders, risk managers, insurance professionals, and outside counsel align their strategies, they can resolve cases effectively while supporting injured workers.
During the event, industry professionals discussed proactive risk prevention, durable claim resolution, and informed stakeholder coordination. Among the voices shaping these conversations was attorney Jared Renfroe (Memphis office), who helped to address one of the most pressing compliance challenges facing the industry.
If you manage litigation, oversee casualty claims, or handle corporate risk, understanding upcoming regulatory changes is critical to protecting your organization and streamlining case resolution.
The Power of Collaboration in Workers’ Compensation
Managing a workers’ compensation claim from incident through resolution requires input from multiple disciplines. Medical partnerships, return-to-work programs, and legal compliance all intersect. The Work Comp with Purpose conference created a space for seasoned professionals to deepen their expertise by sharing practical strategies that support care, dignity, and measurable results.
When stakeholders communicate clearly and align their objectives early in a claim, they reduce friction and avoid unnecessary costs. This team-focused approach proves especially valuable when navigating complex federal regulations.
Session 2: Beyond Thresholds
Jared Renfroe joined co-speakers Brendon De Souza and Jeff Stinson for a critical panel discussion titled, Beyond Thresholds: CMS’s 2025 Medicare Set-Aside Reporting Requirements. The session cut through the regulatory noise to provide actionable guidance on evolving compliance.
Achieving a durable claim resolution frequently hinges on strict adherence to federal guidelines. The panel broke down exactly what claims professionals need to know to avoid settlement delays and double-damage exposure.
Unpacking the Section 111 Reporting Expansion
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued a significant expansion to Section 111 Total Payment Obligation to Claimant reporting. For workers’ compensation claims involving Medicare beneficiaries, the compliance landscape is shifting dramatically.
Effective April 4, 2025, Responsible Reporting Entities face a new reality. You must report Workers’ Compensation Medicare Set-Aside (WCMSA) information for all settlements involving Medicare beneficiaries. This requirement applies regardless of the settlement amount or the CMS submission status.
New Data Elements and Coordination of Benefits
The speakers highlighted the operational and tactical challenges these changes introduce. Claims professionals must now collect new data elements and share information more thoroughly than before. This increased data sharing directly impacts the coordination of benefits and demands stronger compliance workflows.
If your organization lacks a structured approach to capturing this required information, you risk significant bottlenecks during the final stages of settlement. The panel emphasized that preparation must begin long before mediation or settlement negotiations start.
What This Means for Tennessee
While the CMS mandates apply federally, their application often intersects with state-specific workers’ compensation systems.
State-Specific Nuances
During the session, Jared Renfroe provided practical insight into the evolving treatment of non-submit WCMSAs, highlighting specific developments and practical applications within Tennessee. Understanding how federal Medicare compliance interacts with state jurisdiction ensures that settlements hold up under scrutiny and protect all parties involved.
By applying these insights, risk and claims professionals can strengthen their internal workflows, mitigate compliance risks, and ensure smoother resolutions for injured workers across jurisdictions.
Better Outcomes Through Preparation
The conversations held at the Work Comp with Purpose conference set a clear tone for the future of the industry. Success requires staying informed on regulatory shifts and maintaining open lines of communication among all parties handling a claim.
Mastering the 2025 CMS Medicare Set-Aside reporting requirements allows you to finalize settlements efficiently and focus on what truly matters: facilitating recovery and returning employees to work safely.