Why Health Insurance Is Not Typically Used for Car Accident Injuries in Kansas City

Car Accident Injury Claims and Insurance

In Kansas City, your car accident injury treatment will typically be covered under your car insurance policy, not your health insurance. Car insurance is designed to pay for medical treatment related to accidents, regardless of fault. Here’s a breakdown of why health insurance isn't your first option:

Your Auto Insurance: The First Line of Defense

The primary payer for car accident injuries is your auto insurance policy, specifically your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or MedPay coverage. Many states, including Missouri and Kansas, require auto insurance to include basic liability coverage, which will help cover medical costs incurred due to an accident.

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP covers medical expenses for injuries sustained in a car accident, even if you were at fault. This typically includes chiropractic care, physical therapy, and any necessary treatment.

• MedPay: If you have MedPay coverage, it can help cover your medical expenses after a car accident, regardless of fault.

However, it’s important to note that in Kansas City, as in many places, PIP or MedPay will have limits. If your injuries exceed those limits, that’s where your health insurance may step in to cover remaining costs—after your auto insurance has been exhausted.

Health Insurance Coverage for Car Accident Injuries

While health insurance can sometimes assist with the remaining medical costs after your auto insurance has paid, it isn’t always a straightforward solution. Here’s why:

1. Health Insurance Will Typically Be Secondary
   After your auto insurance has covered its limits, your health insurance may become the secondary payer. In many cases, health insurance will only pay for medical costs once other available coverage (like car insurance) has been applied.

2. Co-Pays, Deductibles, and Out-of-Pocket Expenses
   Even when health insurance kicks in, it may not cover all expenses. You’ll likely still face co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs. Many health insurance policies exclude specific types of accident-related care, particularly when other coverage is available.

3. Car Insurance Companies Can Subrogate Health Insurers
   If your health insurance does pay for some of your car accident treatment, your health insurer may seek reimbursement from the at-fault party's auto insurance company. This process is known as subrogation. This is why health insurance companies generally prefer to avoid paying for car accident injuries when another source of coverage is available.

Why You Can't Rely on Health Insurance Alone for Car Accident Injuries

It’s critical to understand that health insurance wasn’t designed to cover car accident injuries in the same way that auto insurance is. Here’s why health insurance is typically not your first option for coverage:

• Legal and Liability Issues: When another party is responsible for the accident, their auto insurance will often cover the medical bills. Health insurance, on the other hand, does not cover liability-related accidents in the same manner.

• Long-Term Coverage: In some cases, you may need ongoing care for your injuries, such as chiropractic care, physical therapy, or surgeries. Health insurance often imposes restrictions on what type of care it will cover, and long-term care may be out of reach without exhausting other insurance options first.

The Role of Chiropractic Care in Treating Car Accident Injuries

Chiropractic care is a critical part of treating car accident injuries, especially those related to spinal injuries, soft tissue damage, and whiplash. If you’re looking for a car accident injury doctor near me in Kansas City, consider visiting a chiropractor experienced in treating car accident victims. Chiropractors specialize in non-invasive treatments, which can be highly effective in relieving pain and improving mobility without the use of harmful medications.

After a car accident, you may experience neck and back pain, headaches, or numbness—issues that chiropractic care is uniquely suited to address. A chiropractor will assess your injuries, develop a personalized treatment plan, and work with your insurance providers to ensure you receive the necessary care.

What To Do After a Car Accident: Steps to Take for Proper Care

If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s important to follow the right steps to ensure that your medical bills are taken care of properly:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
   Whether or not you feel hurt immediately, it’s essential to seek medical care right after the accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms right away. If you wait too long to seek treatment, it could affect your ability to file a claim and receive coverage.

2. Contact Your Auto Insurance Company
   Make sure to report the accident to your insurance company promptly. They will guide you through the claims process and inform you of the coverage available to you.

3. Consult a Chiropractic Care Specialist
   After your initial medical evaluation, make sure to visit a chiropractor if you experience pain or discomfort. Chiropractors specialize in treating injuries that result from car accidents and can help you recover without the use of invasive procedures or painkillers.

4. Get Legal Assistance for Your Personal Injury Claim
   If your injuries are severe, you may want to consult a personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the claims process. They will assist in securing compensation for your medical bills, including chiropractic treatments.

Contact Lance Stevenson, DC for Car Accident Injury Treatment in Kansas City

At Lance Stevenson, DC, we specialize in treating car accident injuries in Kansas City. If you're experiencing pain or discomfort after a car accident, we’re here to help. Our chiropractic team will work with your auto insurance to ensure that you receive the care you need—without worrying about paying upfront.

We understand that dealing with insurance companies and medical bills can be overwhelming, so we offer free consultations to get you started. Contact us today to schedule your appointment with an experienced car accident injury doctor near me and start your recovery journey.

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