Do I have to reimburse my health insurance company if I settle my Pennsylvania car accident case?

A: In Pennsylvania, health insurers are generally not entitled to be repaid for medical bills they paid that arose from a Pennsylvania car accident. However, there are exceptions. For example, a) ERISA qualified, self-funded plans are entitled to be reimbursed, b) worker's compensation insurance companies are entitled to be reimbursed, and c) state or federally funded plans are entitled to reimbursement. There are other, less common, exceptions. 

The requirement of reimbursement can be strictly enforced, particularly when the bills have been paid by a governmental entity.  And it can be complicated to figure out when and how to notify governmental payors or to determine whether a plan is truly an ERISA qualified, fully self-funded plan.  We recommend that you consult with an experienced Pennsylvania injury lawyer who can answer your questions about who is entitled to be reimbursed and who is not.

Sometimes, your lawyer can help by negotiating the amount that must be repaid.  This, of course, benefits you and allows you to keep more of the settlement.

Before you agree to settle your case, you should ask your lawyer whether any medical payments in your case must be reimbursed and whether a compromise can be negotiated.

For more information on this and other auto accident subjects, order our free, no-obligation book " The Ultimate Guide to Car Accident Cases in Pennsylvania: A Roadmap to Justice ."  If you'd prefer just to go straight to a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Pennsylvania injury lawyer, use our contact form link or call us today at 814-580-5017.