How Medical Bills Are Calculated and Paid
If you are in an accident, how are your medical bills calculated and paid? Does your insurance pay first, or should you wait for payment by the other party’s insurance company? What if your insurance company disputes the amount? These are questions that should be addressed immediately if you are injured and require medical treatment, as the answers could leave you vulnerable to collections procedures from medical providers, affecting your credit rating and causing you undue financial stress.
Medical Bills, PIP and Health Insurance
When it comes to paying your medical bills, there are several ways that you may be covered. If you are ill, your health insurance coverage is responsible for your bills. However, if you are injured in an accident, there may be other policies that supersede your health coverage.
For example, you may have Personal Injury Protection or PIP coverage. The purpose of this coverage is to pay for your medical bills if you are injured in a car accident. PIP is part of your regular car insurance coverage; check to see if you have this policy. It is required in no-fault states but can also be added as an option in other states.
PIP is usually the first line of defense for paying your medical bills if you have it. If you do not, either the other person’s insurance, your own car insurance or your health insurance may be your next line of defense.
While this may sound like a great deal of coverage, problems can develop if your insurance company insists on the other party’s insurance paying first. If they refuse to do so, you may be caught in the middle of a battle and stuck with the bill until it is resolved. Your health insurance may pay, but the company may not be required to do so depending on your circumstances.
What Can I Do To Make Insurance Companies Pay?
If you are caught in a battle between insurance companies, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help. Dan Gilleon in San Diego has been working with victims of personal injury for many years and may be able to help you negotiate a settlement that will pay your medical bills and leave you money for your other costs. Contact him today so that you have someone on your side, fighting for your rights as the insurance companies continue to battle over your medical bills.
