Who is Going to Pay My Medical Bills?

In these times of financial uncertainty, many have been forced to let their health insurance lapse, hoping they won’t need medical care during the period they are uninsured. Unfortunately, the inattentive driver on his cellphone may have other plans for you.
If you are in an accident and believe you are injured, go to the nearest emergency room, where you cannot be refused “emergency medical treatment”; i.e., treatment required to prevent serious injury or death, due to lack of insurance or inability to pay. (See Cal. Health & Safety Code §§1317 et seq.) Your next step is to call Owen, Patterson & Owen. Upon acceptance of your case, OPO will make sure that you have access to the medical care you need following your accident.
One way to obtain medical treatment is by way of medical liens. Injury victims don’t always know where to go for proper treatment following an accident. OPO’s prelitigation case managers will provide you with a list of providers in the area most convenient to you who will be willing to postpone collection of medical bills until your personal injury case is resolved. We do not tell you who to go to for treatment; we only provide options for those providers who will accept a lien on your case instead of immediate payment. When your case resolves, OPO’s settlement specialists will negotiate with the health care providers to reduce the billed amounts if possible. The liens will be paid from your settlement proceeds instead of out of your pocket at the time of treatment, allowing you to obtain the care you need following an accident without having to worry about bill collectors banging on your door.
OPO will also review your automobile insurance policy to determine if you have “medical payments” coverage. While not purchased by every insured, it may provide a source of funds to pay medical bills related to your accident if you have it.
If you need us, we are here for you. Contact OPO at 888-OPO-WINS or at www.opolaw.com.