Do You Have Med-Pay?

Too many drivers in the states of Arkansas and Oklahoma do not carry “med-pay” coverage. Medical Payments insurance coverage, usually called “med-pay,” is a type of automobile insurance that pays for the medical expenses incurred by the insured driver and/or passengers due to injuries suffered in an automobile accident, regardless of who was at-fault for the accident.

The purpose of med-pay is to immediately pay for auto-accident-related medical expenses up to the policy limits purchased by the insured. Med-pay coverage is especially valuable if the injured person does not have health insurance. In addition, having it can be critical in a person’s case to help them obtain or pay for additional treatment, MRIs, physical therapy, prescriptions, and money required up-front to go see a specialist if necessary. Another benefit of a med-pay policy is that generally it will not subrogate, which means that once you recover med-pay money, you will not have to pay that money back to the insurance company that provided the med-pay coverage after your case is resolved through settlement or jury award, although this is subject to the “made whole” doctrine, which will be addressed in a future blog.

Unfortunately, many people are unaware whether they have this coverage, or when it applies. In Arkansas, insurance companies are required by law to pay up to $5,000 in medical benefits, or more if you pay for higher limits. A smart move for many would be to boost your med-pay coverage or speak to your insurance agent about setting up a med-pay policy if you have not already done so. Typically, the cost of this coverage is minute compared to the benefit you can receive if you are ever in a motor vehicle accident.

At McCutchen Napurano - The Law Firm, we are dedicated to exhausting all insurance coverage available to you after a motor vehicle accident, including med-pay coverage that can help you receive the medical treatment that you need. If you have any questions about med-pay, please feel free to call our firm at (479) 783-0036 or email me at jmccutchen@mccutchenlawfirm.com.