Unfortunately, this is something that comes up from time to time here in Georgia. Sometimes the health insurance carrier will take the stance that they are not required to pay for medical treatment that is the responsibility of another party. For example, in a motor vehicle collision, the at-fault driver would be responsible for the damages (reasonable and necessary medical bills) that relate to the collision. The problem with that is the liability insurance carrier may or may not accept responsibility for their driver's actions or in-actions. Another important point is if they do accept liability, they will not pay for your medical care as you go. So what that means is you will be forced to pay for your medical care in advance and may be paid back if you are able to resolve your claim with the at-fault driver's insurance company.
The nature of your injuries will determine how much you will have to come out of pocket, should your health insurance. For most people this is at the worst time, because if you are injured and can not work, you usually will eat up what savings you have just paying bills while you are out of work. The good news is the lost wages you can prove should be reimbursed. The bad news is that will also be at the end of the claim.
The hard thing to believe is that someone who is fortunate enough to have health insurance, may be denied at the time when they need it most. Luckily this is becoming less common. Likely the reason is that health insurance companies are now focusing on their subrogation/reimbursement rights they have. Subrogation/reimbursement rights are usually written in their contracts and provide that should you collect from a third party they will have the first available funds to pay for the medical bills that the health insurance company has paid on your behalf.
As you can see this can get complicated, but it is important you deal with your health insurance company if they have paid for your medical bills related to a car crash or a slip and fall and you are looking at collecting from an at fault party. If you do not deal with the insurance company, they can come after you directly or affect your health insurance moving forward.
If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision, slip and fall or workers compensation claim and your health insurance has paid a portion of your medical expenses, you owe it to yourself to speak with an attorney who will be able to explain what your legal rights are, so you do not find yourself involved in unnecessary litigation. Call an Atlanta Personal Injury Attorney today at 770-948-5454.
October 22, 2009
Why is my health insurance denying to pay my bills that are related to my workers' compensation claim?
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