Typically, if you were in a car accident and there was Personal Injury Protection (“PIP”) or MedPay coverage on the car you were in at the time of the accident, your bills should be paid under that policy. PIP also covers a limited amount of wage loss and household services for tasks you can’t perform due to your injuries. You should check your policy and be ready to discuss with us how much coverage you have available.
If you were involved in a car accident and didn’t have PIP or MedPay coverage at the time of the accident, or if your coverage has already been used up, you should submit your treatment bills to your health insurance company. Most health insurance companies will cover your accident-related treatment subject to the requirements of your policy dealing with referrals, deductibles, and co-payments. Your insurance company will usually claim to be entitled to reimbursement from your settlement for any bills they pay, but this is an area that an attorney can advise you on, or potentially negotiate for you.
If you were hurt in a way that didn’t involve a car accident, MedPay may still apply if it is available to help pay your bills. Your health insurance will also help pay your medical bills.
Ultimately, the at-fault party’s insurance company (also called the “third-party insurer” or the “liability insurer”) is responsible for paying for all medical treatment that your doctors connect to the injuries from your accident. However, the at-fault insurance company does not pay until the end of your case when you settle your entire claim. If you start discussing settlement with the at-fault insurance company, you might not be able to change how your case resolves. Once you settle with the insurance company, you can’t re-open your claim. That’s why we recommend you wait to settle until your care providers discharge you from treatment, or you have a good understanding from your doctors of how long-lasting your injuries may be.
Read the article(s) below for more information
Health Care Treatment Costs for Patient Injuries: Who’s Responsible, Attorney or Patient?