January 2015
38002.com
theview
theview
Page 7
Adding Insult to Injury: Paying back health insurance after an accident
By David Peel
As
an injury
attorney, I often
have to tell my
clients
so me
shocking news: in
cases where they
recover medical
bills from an at fault third party,
they may have to pay back some of
their proceeds to their health
insurance company. It makes sense
on paper. The health insurance
didn’t cause the accident, yet they
were saddled with the bills from the
injuries.
The term for this is called
subrogation. This is an unusual
word and it is one that is used in my
office virtually every day.
It matters because it reduces the
recovery to my clients. However,
the health insurance companies
don’t do a great job of explaining
that to you. So for instance, if you
fall off your porch at home because
you’re just being clumsy, you
would not owe your health
insurance company anything back
because you would not have accident.
companies to be paid back for
recovered from a third-party.
Often the amount is owed to the things that could not have had
However, if you fall off the health insurance under the anything to do with an accident. In
neighbor’s porch because he didn’t subrogation plan can be either fact, I once had a man who was hurt
nail down his planks yet and didn’t waived or significantly reduced by in accident and the health insurance
warn you about it, he essentially negotiation. Sometimes, that company wanted to be paid back for
built a trap for you and may be discount is minimal, but often times, his wife’s Pap smear. So getting the
liable for your injuries. In that case, it is significant.
correct bills located and getting
his homeowners insurance may
It’s important to look at since it negotiations are often part of the
very well cover all the medical bills affects the bottom line tax-free attorney’s services to the client.
and pain/suffering for your injuries amount that goes to my
So even if you don’t consider
and you might owe your health client. Another issue that has to be yourself “the type who sues” when
insurance back a portion of that looked at is what charges do the you’re in a serious accident, it is
money
health insurance relate to the worthwhile to have an injury lawyer
What’s really sad is to hear about accident. I have actually received a on your side.
people who settled their cases on request from health insurance
their own, completely unaware of
this obligation, and then get a bill
from their health insurance for more
than what they got in the settlement
from the third-party. The only good Lakeland
through March 3rd from
Friday, January 30th
news is you can’t be made to pay
Senior Center
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
from 12 to 2 p.m.
more than you recovered, but you
could in certain circumstances be
Lakeland Senior Center
Living Well with
Join Chad Cardwell,
required to pay every penny you is located at 4527 Canada Chronic Conditions is an 8 LL.M. attorney with
Road
-week complimentary The Cardwell Firm and
recovered.
That’s why it’s important to get
For a complete list of program presented by Lisa M a r k L o u d e r b a c k ,
advice early on in a serious Senior Center activities, And erto n, wellness Financial Advisor with
visit www.lakelandtn.gov, d ir e ct o r wi t h t he Edward Jones for a
Residents, Parks & Millington YMCA. Come Seminar on Estate
Recreation, then click on learn to manage your Planning and Finance.
“Just for Seniors.”
health and have the energy Lunch will be served so
The Senior Center will to do thing that matter please RSVP to 901-867now be OPEN five days a most. Topics to include 2 7 17 or ko d o m@
week (Monday-Friday diabetes, arthritis, cancer, lakelandtn.org.
from 10 - 2 p.m.).
chronic bronchitis, high
January 19th, MLK blood pressure, etc.
King, Jr. Holiday: Senior Spouses, family members Arlington
Center & City Offices and caregivers are Senior Citizens
CLOSED
welcome. Please RSVP by
calling 901-867-2717 or Center
[email protected].
The Arlington Senior
Living Well with
Citizens Center is located
Chronic Conditions
at 6265 Chester St. For a
Estate Planning
Tuesda ys, January 13th
complete list of Senior
seniornotes
Center activities,
visit
www.townof arlington.org
and
click
on
“Departments,” then
“Senior Center.”
Lunch and Learn
Featuring Information
on Estate Planning with
Mark Louderback,
Wednesday, January
21st @ 11:30
Day time Bingo
Wednesday, January
28th @ 11:30 with Robin
Pilcher from Elect Home
Care. Morning Snack
Included
FREE Exercise Classes
M-W-F @ 10:30