by Jennifer M. Smith, Esq.

New Version of ICMS as proposed will allow Employers/ Insurers to file forms directly on ICMS. Although a projected “go live” date has not been provided yet, the State Board is in the process of building what is being dubbed as ICMS II, an expanded version of the current ICMS (Integrated Claim Management System). ICMS is an online system for Georgia Workers’ Compensation claims which provides for online claims filing, reporting and processing as well as correspondence generation and notification. Currently, ICMS is used by attorneys but the State Board intends for the new version to allow usage by employers and insurers as well.

Current Government Shutdown to impact SSDI / Medicare confirmations as well as MSA approvals. During a discussion regarding the recent change in the law which places a 400 week cap on medical benefits in non-catastrophic cases, the panelists discussed that the current government shutdown is going to delay any Social Security Disability and Medicare confirmations submitted after October 1 as well as Medicare approval of MSAs.