Most of us believe that if we have health insurance, we are protected from huge medical bills if we ever get injured.
People are often taken by surprise with the harsh reality after a car accident, facing huge medical bills they may not be able to pay. The situation becomes worse when the injuries are a result of another driver’s negligence.
An Increase in Out-of-Pocket Expenses
A recent study conducted by the University of Michigan shows that over the time period between 2009 and 2013, out-of-pocket expenses related to hospital treatment increased by over 37 percent. At the end of the study period, an average patient paid over $1,000 for their own treatment at a hospital. This did not include cost of medications, physical therapy, follow-up care, and other-related costs. The study, published in the American Medical Association’s JAMA Internal Medicine, concluded that during the time period of the study, there was an 86 percent increase in deductibles and a 33 percent increase in coinsurance. This explains why patients are paying more out-of-pocket for hospital care. In Illinois, medical costs incurred by patients were slightly below average. Out-of-pocket expenses increased by 33 percent and averaged around $900 per person in 2013.
Understanding Your Insurance Policy
Health insurance plans vary greatly and many people do not have a proper understanding of how exactly their plans work. In recent years, one particular area that is affecting consumers adversely is coinsurance. It is often required among patients who have to be hospitalized and is in addition to out-of-pocket deductibles. An injured car accident victim has a much greater exposure to a financial crisis than he or she may think. (Read Dealing With Medical Bill Collectors After a Car Accident)
Review your health insurance policy in detail and make sure you understand what you are responsible for in case you need hospital care. This will help you choose the right insurance policy for your needs and will help you prepare better for an unexpected sudden illness or accident-related injury.
Speak with an Illinois Auto Accident Attorney
If you have sustained injuries as a result of someone else’s mistake, you may be able to file a civil claim and recover your losses including medical bills. In addition to hospital costs, you can also recover the costs of follow-up care, occupational therapy and rehabilitation, surgeon’s fees, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Seek legal help from a Illinois auto accident attorney from Willens & Baez. We will calculate the value of your claim and make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve. For a free consultation, call us at (312) 957-4166.