Warning for employees hurt on-the-job who do not get medical bills paid under workers’ comp.
The Washington Post is reporting on a man who got stuck with a $109,000 medical bill despite it being covered under health insurance. Turns out that his four-day hospital stay for a heart attack was considered out-of-network. Health insurance paid $56,000 but the patient was responsible for the balance.
We found this article interesting because of the number of people who contact our office with unpaid medical bills. Workers’ comp disputes payment and they get stuck. Out-of-pocket expenses add up even when there is alternate insurance coverage.
Medical providers turn over unpaid medical bills to debt collectors. Some people find themselves getting harassing telephone calls or even being sued. Bankruptcy becomes the only real option.
Michigan workers’ comp law is supposed to cover all reasonable and necessary medical care. This is paid at 100% with no co-pays or deductibles. There are no out-of-network providers and you cannot be balanced billed.
We recommend contacting a lawyer if medical treatment is not being covered. It is possible to challenge a disputed claim and force workers’ comp to make payment. Don’t get stuck with huge medical bills that destroy your financial future!
Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.
Related information:
24% of medical bills typically patient’s responsibility
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by *_Abhi_*.
