How Oklahoma’s MedPay Insurance Affects Car Accident Claims

Car accidents can be stressful. Things can quickly start to feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with injuries, car repairs, and insurance companies and coverage. One type of insurance coverage people often overlook, but can prove to be quite helpful, is Medical Payments, also known as MedPay.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, MedPay could help you avoid unpleasant financial surprises and get your medical bills paid faster. At Biby Law Firm, we’re here to help you make sense of your legal options and figure out the best way to move forward with your life after a car accident.

What is MedPay insurance?

MedPay is optional car insurance that helps pay for medical costs after a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. That’s right; MedPay will kick in whether you caused the accident or not. It’s designed to quickly cover all reasonable and necessary expenses for you and your passengers after a car crash, up to the amount of coverage purchased. Some of the things MedPay typically covers include:

• Emergency room visits
• Ambulance fees
• Doctor visits
• Surgeries
• X-rays and other imaging
• Physical therapy
• Funeral expenses (in the case of wrongful death)

MedPay helps you pay these bills immediately so you’re not stuck waiting on someone else’s insurance or a lawsuit to be resolved before you can afford treatment for your injuries.

Is MedPay required in Oklahoma?

No. MedPay is not required in Oklahoma. It’s a voluntary insurance coverage that you can add to your auto insurance policy. Even though it’s optional, many drivers carry it because it’s usually affordable and provides peace of mind. While the cost varies based on your coverage limits, with $1,000.00 in coverage costing as low as $5 – $10 per month, many people find that even a small amount can make a big difference. Although not required by law like liability insurance, MedPay can be an important safety net when dealing with injuries from a Tulsa car accident.

How does MedPay work after an accident?

Let’s look at a hypothetical example. Assume you were injured in a car crash in Tulsa. You go to the ER, and the hospital bills start adding up quickly. Maybe you need physical therapy afterward, too. Here’s what would happen if you had MedPay:

• You file a MedPay claim with your own insurance company.
• Your insurer pays the medical bills directly or reimburses you (up to your coverage limit).
• You don’t have to wait for the other driver’s insurance to investigate or pay.

It’s quick and easy. And because it’s no-fault coverage, you can use it even if you were the one who caused the accident. This makes MedPay especially useful in the following situations:

• The other driver doesn’t have insurance.
• You were partially at fault.
• There’s a delay in getting your claim resolved.
• You want to avoid using your health insurance and dealing with co-pays or deductibles.

What are the limits of MedPay?

While MedPay can be extremely helpful, it does have its limitations.

For example, most MedPay policies have low coverage limits, typically between $1,000 and $10,000. That might be enough for minor injuries, but it probably won’t cover a hospital stay or surgery. Further, MedPay only covers medical bills. It does not pay for lost wages if you miss time from work, pain and suffering, emotional distress, or car repairs. If you want to recover these types of damages, you’ll need to file a personal injury claim against the other driver’s insurance or consider a lawsuit if necessary.

If you already have strong health insurance, you might wonder why MedPay is necessary. In some cases, MedPay might duplicate what your health plan already covers. However, MedPay can help cover deductibles, co-pays, or treatments your health insurance might not cover.

MedPay vs. health insurance

Many people ask us, “Why not just use my health insurance instead of MedPay?” This is a good question, and there are pros and cons to both.

The benefits of using MedPay include:

• No deductibles or co-pays (unlike health insurance)
• Faster reimbursement (especially helpful right after an accident)
• Medpay on an automobile policy applies to named insureds and any occupants/passengers of an insured vehicle
• No network restrictions (you can go to any doctor or hospital)
• At-fault insurance carrier cannot take an offset, or receive credit for, the Medpay you paid for

The benefits of using your health insurance include:

• Higher coverage limits
• Covers long-term treatments
• Covers other types of care, not just accident-related

In many cases, people use both their MedPay and their health insurance. MedPay can cover the initial bills, and health insurance can cover the rest. Your MedPay benefits may also help with co-pays and costs that your health plan doesn’t fully cover.

How does MedPay affect my personal injury claim?

If you’re thinking about filing a personal injury claim after an accident in Tulsa, you might wonder if using MedPay will hurt your case. The short answer is no. MedPay is a type of first-party insurance, and it’s separate from your personal injury claim against the other driver. Using MedPay can actually help you by allowing you to get medical treatment right away, making sure bills don’t go to collections, and reducing stress while you wait for your case to resolve.

There’s one important thing you should know. Some insurance companies may try to claim a “right of reimbursement” if you later recover money from the at-fault driver. This means they might request repayment from your settlement for the MedPay benefits they have already paid. Insurers don’t have an automatic right to reimbursement unless it’s clearly stated in your policy. A seasoned attorney like those at Biby Law Firm can help ensure you get the benefit of all the coverage you have access to and prevent you from falling victim to any potential misdeeds of the insurance companies involved.

Should I get MedPay in Oklahoma?

At Biby Law Firm, we recommend that all Oklahoma drivers at least consider adding MedPay to their auto insurance policies. Here’s why – it’s affordable, it’s easy to use, and it offers quick financial relief after a car accident. We’ve seen too many clients struggle to pay for medical care while they wait on insurance companies or court cases. MedPay can ease that burden and help you focus on healing from your injuries.

Even if you have good health insurance, MedPay adds another layer of protection.

How can Biby Law Firm help with my Tulsa accident case?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident here in Tulsa or anywhere in Oklahoma, we’re here to help. At Biby Law Firm, we focus on helping injury victims recover the compensation they need to heal and move on with their lives. We can help you:

• Understand your MedPay coverage
• File insurance claims correctly
• Deal with the insurance companies
• Pursue a personal injury case if needed
• Maximize your settlement and avoid unnecessary delays

Our goal is to make the legal process as smooth as possible, so you can focus on getting better.

MedPay can be a lifesaver after a Tulsa car accident. It’s fast, easy to use, and doesn’t depend on who caused the crash. While it won’t cover everything, it can help with medical bills right when you need it most. In Oklahoma, MedPay is optional but definitely worth considering. If you’re not sure whether you have it or how to use it, check your policy or talk with one of our experienced attorneys. At Biby Law Firm, we’re here to answer your questions and help you understand your rights. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don’t wait. To set up a free case review, give us a call today or drop us a message through our contact form.