I got hurt in an accident, but I don’t have health insurance. What should I do?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2019 there were approximately 1.4 million Georgians without health insurance. It’s inevitable that some of them are going to be seriously hurt in a car accident, and they’ll be hesitant to receive medical help due to the cost. Luckily, there are options available to those who are injured in a car accident and don’t have health insurance. 

If you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by another driver, you should speak with Athens car accident lawyer Mike Rafi as soon as you can because he can answer your questions and might be able to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact Mike online or call (706) 995-7547 for a free consultation. 

The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) 

The EMTALA has probably helped save millions of lives since it became law in 1986. It requires that any hospital that accepts payment from the Department of Health and Human Services or Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) under the Medicare program provide services to someone who has an emergency medical condition, regardless of their health insurance if they have any insurance at all. This applies to nearly all hospitals except some private hospitals and military hospitals.

Medical personnel must screen them and provide treatment to stabilize their condition. The key word, however, is “stabilize.” Emergency room personnel aren’t required to provide treatment designed to help an injury victim be able to return to work or to live a high quality of life. Emergency departments are still allowed to bill patients, and if they can’t pay, delinquent accounts may be sent to collections if an adequate payment plan can’t be arranged. 

Medicaid: Low-income based healthcare for those that qualify

You may be eligible for Medicaid, a federal program that provides health insurance to low-income individuals. The U.S. government sends funds to states, which are responsible for running the program. Check Georgia’s Medicaid office to see if you qualify. If you can, Medicaid will not only pay any medical bills you have moving forward, but it may also pay your past bills.

Automobile and property insurance that have med pay coverage

If you have car and home insurance, they might be able to pay part of your medical bills. “MedPay” is a form of insurance that covers medical expenses. However, in most cases, these types of policies only pay up to $10,000. 

Payment arrangements with healthcare providers

There’s a possibility that you could make a payment arrangement with your doctor. Some health providers will agree to provide ongoing treatment (more than emergency care) in return for receiving some of the proceeds from the settlement or award you may receive in your personal injury case. 

Doctors who agree to provide treatment in this manner operate on an “attorney lien” which means they’ll only work on a lien if you have an attorney. You will need to sign the lien, so have your lawyer review it with you before you sign because it’s a legally binding contract. 

Members of the military may have another option

If you’re in a car accident with no health insurance and you’re current or former military, you may be able to get coverage through Tricare. This is a health insurance program for current or former members of the military, the U.S. National Guard, and Reserves and their dependents. 

Tricare offers coverage for injuries if there are no other insurance options available. It’s not first-party coverage, so if you have MedPay, Medicaid, or any other type of coverage, Tricare coverage won’t start until you’ve exceeded the other policy limits. Tricare will also place a lien on any settlement or award you may receive. 

Hurt in a crash? Mike Rafi can tell you much more

Please don’t hesitate to contact Athens car accident lawyer Mike Rafi online or call (706) 995-7547 if you’ve been hurt in a car accident with no insurance. He’ll tell you much more about how he may be able to help you obtain full compensation.