(a) Lump sum.--The award shall be paid in a lump sum, except that, in the case of death or protracted disability, the award may provide for periodic payments. No award made under this chapter shall be subject to execution or attachment other than for expenses resulting from the injury which is the basis for the claim. All awards shall be paid by or under the authority of the State Treasurer. An award shall not be considered as compensation taxable as income under Article III of the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L. 6, No. 2),¹ known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971. The Office of Victims' Services shall reconsider at least annually every award being paid in installments. The Office of Victims' Services may reconsider a claim at any time and modify or rescind previous orders for compensation based upon a change in financial circumstances of a direct victim or one or more surviving dependents.

(b) Medical expenses.--Medical expenses, except as otherwise provided, shall be paid to a hospital or other licensed health care provider on behalf of the victim at a rate set by the Office of Victims' Services. If the Office of Victims' Services accepts a claim, the hospital or other licensed health care provider shall accept such payment as payment in full and may not attempt to collect from the victim any amount exceeding the amount of reimbursement made by the Office of Victims' Services.