When an insurer refuses to pay for your medical bills, you do not have to automatically accept the refusal. Some claims are not given the attention they deserve, so it is possible that someone can deny a claim due to simple oversight.
In other instances, an insurer may take the position that your policy does not cover specific medical expenses. Alternatively, it may assert that you or someone else is solely responsible for payment. Here are some things that you can do when you cannot get payment for your medical expenses after an accident.
Reach out to your insurer
Ohio’s insurance laws provide for at-fault accidents, so you may have sought payment from the responsible party’s insurer rather than your own. An insurance carrier may be more responsible to another carrier than an individual. Reaching out to your own carrier for assistance may help to prompt action.
Appeal the decision
Most insurers have an appeals process for claims that they deny. Start an appeal as soon as possible.
Initiate a legal action
You can send a formal demand letter to put an insurance carrier on notice of your intent to file a legal claim. If the insurer is not responsive, you can file a complaint in civil court.
Ultimately, it is important that you do not forgo getting the care that you need because of concerns about an insurer who will not pay. When a billing department contacts you for payment, let them know what is going on. A hospital or other care provider may elect to pursue an insurer directly for payment.