After a Car Accident, Make Sure Your Medical Bills Go Through Health Insurance
One of the biggest mistakes we see after a car accident has nothing to do with the crash itself.
It happens when injured people assume their doctors, hospitals, or chiropractors are automatically sending bills to their health insurance.
Unfortunately, that doesn't always happen.
If medical bills are not submitted to health insurance, you could end up facing larger balances, collection notices, and unnecessary stress while your injury claim is pending. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself.
First, Understand That the Car Insurance Company Usually Doesn't Pay Bills Right Away
Many people assume the at-fault driver's insurance company will immediately start paying medical bills.
In reality, liability insurance typically pays at the end of a claim through a settlement or judgment. That process can take months—or even longer in serious cases. During that time, medical providers still expect payment.
That's why health insurance is often the most important tool for managing medical bills while your case is ongoing.
Always Give Every Provider Your Health Insurance Card
Every time you receive treatment, provide your health insurance information.
This includes:
Emergency rooms
Hospitals
Family doctors
Specialists
Physical therapists
Chiropractors
Imaging facilities
Even if the provider knows your injuries resulted from a car accident, make sure they also have your health insurance information on file.
Ask One Simple Question
At your first appointment, ask:
"Will you be submitting these bills to my health insurance?"
Do not assume the answer is yes.
Some medical providers have policies regarding accident-related treatment that differ from ordinary health insurance billing.
Getting a clear answer early can prevent surprises later.
Get the Answer in Writing
If possible, ask the provider's billing department to confirm in writing that they will bill your health insurance.
An email or patient portal message can be helpful if questions arise later.
Keep copies of:
Bills
Explanation of Benefits (EOBs)
Correspondence from providers
Correspondence from your health insurer
Good recordkeeping can save significant headaches down the road.
Be Careful Before Signing Medical Liens
Sometimes a provider may ask you to sign a document called a medical lien.
A lien generally means the provider expects payment from your future settlement rather than through your health insurance.
Before signing anything, make sure you understand:
Whether the provider will bill health insurance
Whether the provider is opting out of health insurance billing
How the lien may affect your recovery
If you're unsure, ask questions and consider discussing the document with your attorney.
Why Using Health Insurance Often Helps
Using health insurance can benefit injury victims in several ways:
Bills are addressed more quickly.
Providers receive payment sooner.
Health insurance companies often negotiate lower rates.
You may avoid large unpaid balances while your case is pending.
Many clients are surprised to learn that having bills processed through health insurance can actually reduce the amount ultimately owed to medical providers.
Review Your Mail
Do not ignore Explanation of Benefits (EOB) forms from your health insurer.
These documents tell you:
Whether a bill was submitted
Whether it was paid
Whether additional information is needed
Whether a claim was denied
If you notice treatment was not submitted to insurance, contact the provider's billing department immediately.
What If a Provider Refuses to Bill Health Insurance?
Some providers may choose not to bill health insurance for accident-related treatment.
If that happens, ask:
Why they are refusing to bill insurance
Whether this is their office policy
Whether they expect payment through a lien
You should understand exactly how your bills will be handled before continuing treatment. Indiana courts have recognized that providers should be transparent about their billing practices with accident patients.
Final Thoughts
After a car accident, your focus should be on healing—not fighting with billing departments.
A few simple steps can make a big difference:
✓ Provide your health insurance card at every appointment.
✓ Ask whether bills will be submitted to health insurance.
✓ Review your EOBs.
✓ Keep copies of all billing records.
✓ Ask questions before signing any lien documents.
At Guenin Law, we regularly help clients navigate not only their injury claims but also the practical challenges that arise after an accident. If you have questions about medical bills, health insurance, liens, or your injury claim, we're here to help you understand your options and avoid costly mistakes.
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