Getting injured in a traffic accident is not only painful but it can also be financially overwhelming. To offset some of the costs, drivers can add non-compulsory (elective) car insurance to their auto policy.
Medical Pay Benefits coverage, also called MedPay for short, is optional automobile insurance in California. MedPay must be added by the policyholder but is not mandatory in the state of California.
Here’s what you should know about this optional insurance:
Types of MedPay Coverage
In California, there are two types of medical pay benefits coverage that a driver can add to their policy: primary or secondary coverage.
Primary coverage provides the policyholder with an extensive amount of coverage. However, is more costly than secondary coverage.
Here’s an example of how it works: A personal injury attorney will collect medical bills that his/her client has accumulated after an accident or incident. The attorney will then make a MedPay demand by submitting client’s incurred bills related to the accident or incident to client’s own insurance carrier. The insurance company will then compensate client the insured (attorney’s client) reasonable charges for treatments obtained. An experienced attorney can help a client recover the maximum applicable amount of such benefits.
Secondary coverage is cheaper than primary insurance but the coverage is more limited. Secondary coverage is only applicable if you have health insurance. One benefit of secondary coverage is a lower payment. Additionally, deductibles and co-pays that your insurance doesn’t cover will be paid for.
Expenses Covered Under MedPay
MedPay covers all necessary expenses including medical bills and funeral costs (up to policy limits). It also covers the following expenses:
- Hospital bills or doctor bills
- X-rays, MRIs, or surgery
- Prosthesis
- Emergency medical technician (EMT) and ambulance bills
- Physical therapy
- Medical equipment
- Short term or long-term medical care
- Professional nursing care or services
- Dentist visits and operations related to the accident
Expenses Not Covered Under MedPay
California medical pay benefits do not cover the following expenses:
- Accidents that don’t involve a vehicle
- Automobile repair bills
- Expenses related to property damage such as gates or fences
- Expenses not related to the accident
- Any coverage above your policy limits
Benefits of Having MedPay Coverage
There are several benefits to having MedPay insurance such as getting your medical expenses covered after a car accident. Some insurance policies don’t cover the entire cost of your treatment or medical bills so it may be beneficial to have this type of additional coverage.
With MedPay, your insurance rate should not go up. However, there may be special circumstances when it does. For example, if it’s determined that you’re at-fault for an accident – your insurance rates may increase regardless if you’ve filed a MedPay claim.
Insurance claims can be complicated and difficult to fully understand. To help with that, a lawyer can file a MedPay claim for you. If you’ve been injured in an accident, a knowledgeable lawyer can help file a MedPay claim – it will help ensure that the claim is filed correctly.
Consult with a Medical Payments Coverage Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto accident, contact Mesriani Law Group today for a complimentary (no cost) legal consultation or review. We have legal representatives in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Culver City, and other cities throughout California. An experienced California attorney can help you discuss your options. We’re confident that our knowledgeable lawyers can obtain the maximum compensation for your case and offer a “no win, no fee” guarantee.
