The Impact of Lost Health Insurance on Ongoing Medical Treatment
Health insurance is a fundamental necessity, and when taken away, it can be a significant loss in one’s life. When an injury victim loses coverage mid-claim, it can become much more difficult for that individual to access the needed treatments, such as:
- Physical therapy
- Special visits
- Surgery
- Diagnostic tests and scans (MRI, CT, etc.)
- Prescription medication
These services can become unaffordable without the proper care and insurance. This can cause immense frustration and distress in an injured victim’s life. When individuals lose access to these services, there is a delayed recovery in their healing process, prolonging their pain and reducing the overall quality of their lives. In some cases, this loss can also lead to further complications, thereby increasing the severity of the existing injuries. If injuries are left untreated, they can worsen over time; therefore, it is crucial to understand your legal rights and ensure a proper recovery.
Health Coverage Options After Losing Insurance During a Personal Injury Claim
Losing health insurance for any reason can create challenges during a personal injury claim. There are legal routes that injured victims can take to maintain or regain access to medical care. Healthcare options, such as COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), can help individuals who have lost job-based health insurance due to job loss. This healthcare option allows individuals to continue their prior health insurance plan for up to 18 to 36 months. Another healthcare option is Medicaid, which is beneficial for low-income families, offering low-cost health coverage. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital care
- Prescriptions
How Coverage Loss Affects the Value of a Personal Injury Claim
Coverage loss can significantly affect the value of a personal injury claim. Insurance companies can use the gaps in individuals’ medical treatment against victims who are injured, potentially leaving them vulnerable to financial hardship. A common misconception is that injured individuals who have stopped receiving treatment simply do not need it anymore, when that is not the case. Insurance companies may claim the following to be true:
- The pain was not significant enough to continue to need care
- The injury had already been fixed
- Symptoms may have been pre-existing
How KAASS LAW Can Help
Injured victims are heavily encouraged to seek legal counsel with the appropriate providers to ensure justice and get the help they need to make a full recovery. Injured victims should consult a personal injury attorney, one that can give them various options for care and begin the process of documenting the injuries.
As stated above, health insurance is a fundamental necessity. Without the proper care and right coverage, injury victims can suffer and become worse. If you’ve lost health insurance during a personal injury claim, you are not alone. KAASS LAW is here to protect your rights and assist you in getting the proper protection you deserve. Call KAASS LAW at (844) 522-7752 today.