How to get medical bills covered when workers’ comp has disputed payment.
Medical treatment is one of the most important benefits under workers’ comp. Unfortunately, the employer and its insurance carrier get to pick doctors and facilities during the first 28 days. Our experience shows that people are sent to industrial clinics and receive subpar care. Medical treatment can also be unreasonably delayed or flat out denied. A frequent question that we get asked: Can I use my own insurance instead of workers’ comp insurance in Michigan? The answer is yes, but it comes with strings attached.
Employees who are hurt on-the-job are entitled to have all reasonable and necessary medical treatment paid regardless of their fault. This includes ambulance runs, emergency room visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, injections, medications, and surgery. There should never be any copayments or deductibles owed. This is unlimited and potentially a lifetime benefit.
The amount paid for medical treatment under workers’ comp insurance is controlled by a state-wide fee schedule and the patient cannot be charged extra. We recommend selecting the best doctor possible once the 28 days have passed as cost should not be an issue. Watch out for doctors selected by the insurance company because this often leads to a conflict of interest.
If a person decides to see their own doctor before 28 days have passed, they might have to pay out-of-pocket because workers’ comp will not cover their choice of medical provider. If the claim is disputed, you can use your own insurance instead of workers’ comp in Michigan.
Can I use my own insurance instead of workers’ comp in Michigan?
In Michigan, employees who find medical treatment disputed under workers’ comp can use their own health insurance. This includes group health insurance policies and government programs like Medicaid or Medicare. Reimbursement will be required if money is recovered under workers’ comp through a settlement or award.
We do not recommend having the doctor run a tab. We have seen too many individuals bury themselves in medical debt. Health insurance will usually pay disputed medical bills if you can provide a Notice of Dispute. Sometimes a reimbursement agreement must be signed but it only matters if additional workers’ comp benefits are paid.
Additionally, a person needs medical evidence to be successful with his or her workers’ comp case. Using health insurance to pay disputed medical expenses means they can still see their doctor. This is critical because it allows them to develop medical evidence showing causation and disability. In this scenario, you can use your own insurance instead of workers’ comp in Michigan as it will be necessary for you to do so to win your case.
Injured while on-the-job in Michigan? Contact our lawyers now.
If you were injured while on the job in Michigan and have questions about your workers’ comp claim and what insurance to use, call now at (855) 221-2667 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation with an experienced lawyer. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. We’re here to help.
For more than 40 years, our lawyers have been helping people like you who have suffered from on-the-job injuries in Michigan. We understand the physical, emotional, and psychological hardships you are experiencing from your accident. We also have the skill, experience, and know-how to protect you and get you the best possible payout amount for your case.
To see what our own clients have to say about the caring, compassion, and communication they received from us, you can read in their own words about their experience here on our testimonials page from clients we have helped.
Remember, every workers’ comp claim is different and must be negotiated on its own merits. Do not accept any payout amount without fully understanding your legal rights.
Michigan Workers’ Comp Lawyers law firm has consistently secured the largest settlements in the state and is the best choice for your case. We never charge a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 40 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.
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