Many drivers have heard of Medical Payments coverage (MedPay) but are not entirely sure how it works. MedPay is an optional add-on to your auto insurance policy that helps cover medical expenses resulting from a car accident, regardless of who was at fault.
If you are injured in a crash, MedPay can reimburse you for medical costs up to the limits of your policy. While it does not cover every possible loss related to an accident, it can help pay for hospital bills, doctor visits, ambulance fees, and even health insurance deductibles and copays. This can provide valuable financial relief during an already stressful time.
Because medical expenses can accumulate quickly after a collision, many drivers choose to carry MedPay as an added layer of protection. In the aftermath of an accident, this coverage can play an important role in helping victims recover both physically and financially while other insurance claims are being resolved.
Why You Still Need Medpay if You Have Health Insurance
Many people who have health insurance still find it important to carry Medpay, which can work in combination with other types of insurance to pay the hefty damages one can encounter after an accident. Medpay tends to work as either primary or supplemental coverage based on the type of health insurance policy a person has. If Medpay functions as primary coverage, it will pay all expenses. If MedPay is used as a supplement to health insurance, however, a person can use Medpay to pay for copays and deductibles. If a person’s health insurance does not cover injuries due to an accident for any reason, MedPay can help to pay for these damages.
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Ohio’s New Medpay Law
In 2015, a new Ohio law was passed called Rights of Subrogee that significantly changed how Medpay works in the state. Primarily, this law attempts to balance the obligation owed when medical bills arise between an insured person and their insurance company. If an individual recovers compensation from an at fault party’s insurance, that individual will need to reimburse their insurance for any Medpay payments they received. Therefore, it is not always the best idea to use your Medpay as there may be better options.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is used in situations in which another person is responsible for an accident, but the responsible party is either uninsured or underinsured. If you decide to pursue a claim based on your own uninsured or underinsured policy and also have medical payment coverage, in some situations, your insurance carrier might attempt to group Medpay into this amount. Instead, Medpay is a separate type of insurance, which means that you should still be able to use Medpay and obtain compensation under your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. This is just one of the complicated areas of law that can arise in the aftermath of an accident, which is why it is often critical to speak with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer after being injured in an accident.
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Speak with an Experienced Accident Attorney
Understanding how insurance policies work as well as appreciating how individual elements like Medpay can be overwhelming, However, understanding insurance policies is critical after an accident. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact an experienced car accident attorney at Kruger & Hodges who will remain committed to fighting for the compensation that you deserve.
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