One of the main reasons people file insurance claims after car accidents is to obtain compensation to cover their medical bills. However, the insurance company will not pay your bills as they come in. You will only receive compensation at the end of the claims process. This raises the obvious question: how do you cover medical costs while waiting for car insurance compensation?
If you or a loved one suffered a car accident injury and need to pay medical bills, you should communicate with a knowledgeable Cincinnati car accident lawyer at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy for help. We can explain the options that are available to you while managing your car accident claim, including negotiations with the insurance company and the investigation of the crash.
Does The At-fault Party Pay?
If you get injured in an accident in Ohio, the at-fault party or his or her insurance company is not required to pay your medical bills as you receive them. It is usually only through a settlement with the insurance company of the at-fault party that these bills are paid.
Generally, before the case is resolved, the victim will pay for his or her medical expenses in one of the following ways:
- Private health insurance
- Medicaid
- Medicare
Medical payments (MedPay) coverage. Once you receive your settlement, you must repay any other entities that covered your expenses while you were going through the claims process with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Filing A Health Insurance Claim
Using your health insurance coverage is the standard option for covering medical bills as you incur them. Anything your health insurance does not cover may be covered by the medical payments coverage in your auto insurance policy. MedPay covers the policyholder and the passengers injured in the accident. There are several medical costs that you may be able to pay for with this coverage, such as:
- Emergency responders and ambulance fees
- Visits to the hospital and doctor visits
- Surgical procedures and x-rays
- Nursing services
- Prostheses and dental procedures because of an accident
- Pedestrian injuries or injuries while riding a bicycle if hit by a vehicle
Medicaid And Medicare
Individuals age 65 and older may have their expenses covered by Medicare. Medicaid insurance is available for children, seniors, disabled individuals and others who are eligible for federally-assisted income maintenance payments.
Both Medicaid and Medicare are governed by health insurance contracts that give you certain rights along with requirements and responsibilities when it comes to paying medical bills. Similar to other coverage, this type of insurance has limitations.
Medical Provider Payment Plans
There are also medical payment plans that the health care provider may provide to the victim. Many medical providers that learn the injured party is in the middle of a settlement may offer a payment plan that is affordable. However, these plans tend to require payments each month, otherwise the provider cancels it.
Other Options
Other options may be available, such as having your lawyer send a Letter of Protection. This letter asks medical providers to wait to collect payment until your case is settled. The letter promises the health care provider will be paid at the end of the claims process.
Another option is to have your bills covered by the Ohio Victims of Crime Compensation Program, which might pay for certain out-of-pocket expenditures from physical injuries, emotional trauma or death caused by a drunk driver.
Communicate With A Lawyer For Help Today
Negligent drivers can cause property damage and bodily harm that can affect you for a long time. There are many benefits to having legal support during this difficult time. Our car accident lawyers are here to investigate your claim, build a strong case and help you try to recover the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.
We always provide a free initial consultation, and we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs, and we will not receive any payment unless we successfully settle or win your case.