Get answers for your most commonly asked questions
At Okun Law PLLC, there are some fairly common questions that we get asked during the initial consultation regarding medical bills—more specifically, who pays them at the beginning – and at the end. Plus, people often want to know how to limit their responsibility for initial medical treatment costs and how to navigate getting care if they don’t have health insurance.
Knowing this information can help you protect yourself so you can manage your cash outlay and ultimately understand what will be reimbursed. Although this blog will help you understand the basics, don’t underestimate the need for a dedicated personal injury lawyer to help navigate the complexities of the insurance and healthcare industries.
Question #1: Who Pays My Medical Bills?
The car insurer for the person who hit you is ultimately responsible for paying your medical bills, but they will not do so until you settle your case. If you have health insurance, you should direct your medical providers to bill your health insurance for all your treatment. This allows you to get the treatment you need to get better, and it prevents your bills from going to collections while you are receiving medical treatment. At the time of settlement, you can submit all your medical bills to the responsible car accident insurer. Since your health insurance company is paying for treatment that we are ultimately asking the car insurance company to pay, your health insurer may have a right to be repaid out of the settlement. However, if the car insurance company does not pay for your treatment, then your health insurer won't need to be reimbursed.
Question #2: What if I can't afford my copays?
You may have more options than you think! If you have car insurance, Maine law requires that you have medical payment coverage as part of your insurance policy. You should ask your car insurer how much medical payment coverage you have available. You can use your medical payment coverage to pay for your out of pocket medical expenses, up to the limit available. If you want to use your medical payment coverage for copays, it's important that you provide your health insurance information to your doctors, not your car insurance information.
Question #3: What if I don't have health insurance?
If you don't have health insurance, it can be a bit tricky to get the treatment you need to get better, but don't get discouraged. There are multiple options, including applying for free or reduced care from the hospital, getting on a payment plan with your provider, and making a plan with your provider to pay for the treatment when you settle your case.
It can be incredibly confusing to navigate the different insurance companies, and to make sure that your bills are being paid correctly. A personal injury lawyer can help make sure your bills are paid in the best way to maximize the amount of money going into your pocket. If you need help, feel free to contact Okun Law PLLC today!
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