An accident can turn your life upside down, but it's downright shocking for many victims to learn one truth about their case—the insurance company for the person who hurt you won't pay your medical bills as they come in. South Carolina personal injury lawyer Rob Usry describes why using your health insurance to pay these bills is the best option.
Transcript
Here's a question we often get from our accident injury clients. “Should I use health insurance or Medicaid or Medicare to pay from my accident injury medical bills?” Answer: yes, for three main reasons. First, that's what it's for. Second even though this is crazy and it makes no sense the wrongdoers insurance company isn't gonna pay your medical bills as they come in so those medical bills remain your responsibility. Providers expect to be paid upfront and if you don't pay they can send you to a bill collector which can damage your credit. Don’t expose yourself to that kind of stress. Just file it with your health coverage. Third, a hidden benefit may help you in your case. Health coverage which includes Medicaid and Medicare pays your bills in full at a discount, but, those payments are inadmissible in court. The reason is, in South Carolina, we don't give wrongdoers credit for your good sense or good fortune in having health coverage.
So here's how it can work for you, say you get a $100 medical bill. Health coverage pays it at $60 if your case goes to court or if the other party's insurance company is valuing it for settlement it should be valued at the full $100. If you get paid for that bill you get to keep the remaining $40.
Now, you may have to pay back your health coverage for what they paid on your behalf, this is called subrogation. In our cases we are often able to negotiate a discount in that repayment to help you out and keep more money in your pocket. And it also helps your health coverage that's why they give you the discount because they don't have to pay a bill collector or another to come after you.
If you haven't filed with your medical coverage yet, don't worry, it may not be too late. Most medical bills offer you the opportunity to write in your health coverage information right on the bill. Fill it in, send it in and don't let a provider strong-arm you into not filing with your health coverage because it's an accident. You can politely tell them this is exactly what it's for.
So if you've got any other questions about how your health insurance, or Medicaid or Medicare, impacts your accident injury case or any other questions about your case feel free to fill in our get help now form or just call us at 888-230-1841 and schedule a free no pressure strategy session so you can get your questions answered. I thank you for thinking about this with me and I hope I see you soon.
