Medical payment coverage, commonly referred to as “medpay”, is included in every New Hampshire automobile insurance policy. The amounts of coverage vary depending on what is purchased. Typically, medpay coverage is in the amount of $1,000.00, $5,000.00 or $10,000.00. Some commercial policies have higher medpay limits.
Medpay is particularly helpful in situations where the injury victim does not have health insurance coverage, which enables the injury victim to receive treatment for his or her injuries. Medpay is typically much more affordable than health insurance and is a great way of protecting the injured person from the financial hardships associated with being injured and having no insurance coverage. Even when a person has health insurance coverage, medpay is often very beneficial and helpful to offset the financial burden associated with being injured in an automobile, motorcycle or truck accident. Medpay may be used to cover uninsured medical expenses such as copayments, high deductibles, prescriptions and over the counter medications. Further, upon receiving a settlement for his or her injuries, the health insurance carrier will often require the injury victim to reimburse the health insurance company for the payments made on his or her behalf. Medpay may be used to reimburse the health insurance carrier, resulting in the injured party receiving more of the settlement. Further, unlike health insurance, there is no right to reimburse the automobile insurance carrier for the medpay payments.
Often times, hospitals, doctors, dentists, physical therapists and other medical providers attempt to get the injured party to pay for their services using medpay, and not health insurance. Medical providers often insist because the provider will receive full payment for the services and not the reduced amount paid by health insurance companies. For example, if a medical provider charges $1,000.00 for a medical procedure, medpay will often pay the entire amount, while health insurance may only pay a $600.00 as full payment for the procedure. Therefore, it is important that the injury victim consult with a personal injury attorney to determine what is the best process for his or her case in this circumstance.
If you have any questions regarding your injury form a car, motorcycle, truck or other automobile accident, please contact an attorney at Hamblett & Kerrigan.
Kevin P. Rauseo is a former director at Hamblett & Kerrigan P.A. and has since been appointed as a Justice for the New Hampshire Circuit Court. Please feel free to contact another attorney at Hamblett & Kerrigan to discuss your legal issues.