Panel debates bill to let ASES recover Medicaid payments from third parties; agencies say federal law assigns role to Medicaid program

San Juan — During a March 11 hearing, the House Health Committee examined Proyecto de la Cámara No. 9, which seeks to strengthen the government’s authority to subrogate and recoup medical expenses paid under Plan Vital when a third party is responsible for the harm.

The bill would require beneficiaries to notify the plan of personal‑injury claims and would expand authority to reclaim funds paid for medical care when negligence or other liability is later assigned to a third party.

Why it matters: Witnesses agreed recovering third‑party payments can help program sustainability, but multiple agencies told the committee that federal Medicaid rules and existing program structures affect who may legally and practically carry out subrogation and recovery. The committee asked for legal opinions and operational details before moving the bill.

The Department of Health’s representative repeated the department’s position in its…