A medical lien is a legally binding agreement that allows healthcare providers to secure payment for medical services by placing a claim against a patient's personal injury settlement or judgment. This means you can receive medical care now, and the provider will be paid from any compensation you receive later, rather than requiring immediate payment. Medical liens are common in personal injury cases where the patient cannot afford upfront costs.

If you have questions about your specific situation, we can connect you with a professional for a confidential discussion about your lien.

There are several types of medical liens:

• Contractual Liens: Voluntary agreements between patient, provider, and often attorney.
• Statutory Liens: Created automatically by law, typically government-related.
• Hospital Liens: Specific to hospital services, limited to the reasonable value of services.
• Insurance Subrogation Liens: Health insurers seeking reimbursement from settlements.
• Government Liens: Medicare, Medicaid, VA, and other government programs.

Each type has different rules and implications for your settlement and payment responsibilities. If you're unsure which applies to you, our team can help clarify your lien type and next steps.

A Letter of Protection is a contractual document that creates a medical lien arrangement. It's a promise from your attorney to the healthcare provider guaranteeing payment from your settlement proceeds. This allows you to get treatment without paying upfront, but you remain responsible for the bill if your case is unsuccessful.

If you need help understanding or negotiating a Letter of Protection, we can connect you with a specialist.

Resolving a medical lien involves several steps:

1. Assessment: Identify all potential lienholders and gather medical bills and records.
2. Verification: Confirm the legitimacy of each claim and audit bills for errors.
3. Negotiation: Negotiate reductions based on financial hardship, legal challenges, or proportional distribution.
4. Payment: Liens are paid from your settlement in a specific order, usually after attorney fees and before you receive compensation.

Professional help can often reduce the total amount you owe through negotiation and legal arguments. If you want to discuss your options, we can connect you with a licensed professional for guidance.

Resolution time varies:

• Private health insurance liens: 6-12 months
• Medicare liens: 6 months to 1 year (sometimes longer)
• Hospital liens: Varies by state, but usually resolved before settlement is finalized
• Military/VA liens: Can take longer and may require holding the entire settlement until resolved

If you're concerned about delays, our team can help you understand the process and what to expect.

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is Arizona's Medicaid agency, providing health care coverage for low-income, disabled, and other qualified residents. AHCCCS pays for medical expenses for eligible individuals and is funded by both state and federal governments.

If you have questions about your AHCCCS coverage or how it may affect a lien, AB Lien can connect you with a professional for guidance.

An AHCCCS lien is a legal claim placed by Arizona's Medicaid program against personal injury settlements, judgments, or other third-party recoveries to recoup medical expenses paid on your behalf. These liens are authorized by Arizona law (A.R.S. § 36-2915) and required by federal Medicaid law. AHCCCS liens take priority over most other medical liens and must be resolved before you receive settlement funds.

If you need help understanding or resolving an AHCCCS lien, AB Lien can assist.

To perfect an AHCCCS lien, the agency must record the lien within 60 days of your hospital discharge or first date of service. The lien includes your name, dates of service, amount charged, and information about responsible parties and insurers. You and all responsible parties must be notified within 5 days.

If you file a lawsuit for your injury, you must notify AHCCCS within 20 days. If you have questions about the process, AB Lien can help clarify your obligations.

Yes. AHCCCS is required by law to consider reductions when determining a fair and equitable settlement. Factors include the severity of your injury, available insurance, and the total settlement amount. Arizona courts also limit AHCCCS recovery to the proportional amount of your settlement that represents medical expenses.

AB Lien can help you negotiate or challenge an AHCCCS lien if needed.

Federal law prohibits hospitals from collecting more than what AHCCCS pays for your care. Only AHCCCS can file a lien for services paid by Medicaid—hospitals cannot "double-dip" by accepting AHCCCS payment and then filing their own lien.

If you receive a hospital lien after AHCCCS has paid, AB Lien can help you challenge it.

TEFRA liens are placed against the real property of AHCCCS members who are permanently institutionalized in long-term care facilities. After death, AHCCCS may seek recovery from the estates of deceased members age 55 or older for payments made on their behalf.

There are exemptions and waiver options for certain family members and hardship situations. AB Lien can help you understand your rights and options regarding estate recovery.

Common defenses include challenging improper filing, lack of notice, incorrect lien amounts, or unrelated medical bills. You can also argue for proportional reduction based on your settlement amount. Federal law protects you from improper hospital balance billing.

AB Lien can review your case and help you assert your rights.

• Identify AHCCCS coverage early in your case
• Notify AHCCCS promptly if you file a lawsuit
• Audit all claimed expenses for accuracy
• Apply proportional reduction arguments in settlement
• Challenge any improper hospital liens
• Seek professional help if you have questions or disputes

AB Lien can guide you through each step of the process.

Costs vary depending on your situation and the services needed:

• Initial Consultation: Free 15-minute evaluation
• Document Review: Typically $50-200 for professional assessment
• Negotiation Services: Often contingency-based (percentage of savings achieved)
• Legal Representation: Varies by attorney and case complexity

Many professionals offer free initial consultations and work on contingency fees, meaning they only get paid if they successfully reduce your lien amount. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.