Car accident and HMO

[FanofHal]

Beth?? Car accident and HMO... Anyone?

What is the name of your state?CA

Hi, I was in a car accident in November 2003. My medical services were paid for by my HMO from work. I actually work for doctors and feel silly not knowing about this billing issue. Some of our patients have MedPay and/or give us the at fault Insurance companies information to bill.

I did not do that with my doctors, however I did forward any information my HMO Insurance wanted to my lawyer, so they are aware of the accident.
My medical problems resolved in June of 2004. I am waiting for a settlement offer.
I was offered $6000.00 when I finally talked to my lawyer.
My medical total was $8000.00. For some reason I think my lawyer thinks I know how all this works, so I don't know if that means they are paying my bills and My HMO is getting reimbursed... behind the scenes and this is my Pain and suffering settlement... or if I am going to have to come up with 2000.00 more when my HMO insurance subrogates with The at-fault insurance and wants to be reimbursed later.

I quess what I am trying to find out... if I should contact my Health Insurance... (we have switched of course by now) to see if they are going to be trying to get reimbursement from Car insurance... or if they already are. or should I let my slow lazy lawyer do it. (sorry all you fast hard-working Lawyers out there)
I do not want bills coming at me later when this thing is finalized, and signed off.
Or in some cases do Health Insurances just pay the medical and not worry about getting reimbursed (fat chance)
Sorry if I am not making myself clear.
Please ask any questions you want...
Thank you.

 

[Ohreallynow?]

Gee

I have the same question, but it looks like there isn't going to be an answer?
Can I hi-jack.
My co-worker has the same situation.
Her medical bills are like 9000.00 substantiated... thank goodness covered so far by her insurance... not sure if it is an HMO or if it matters.

Her lawyer tells her they came back with an offer of 7000.00. (voice-mail so she never talked to him you are lucky you got human contact)

Are they weeding out bills they don't think matter> she has seen the bills and they all concur with the accident. as it is going she is going to be out of pocket if the health insurance (one of the Blues I think) realize she got settled.
I am just helping because she doesn't have internet anymore and my sweetheart does... I am broke I am in debt and I am borrowing my darlin's computer... so it looks like we should all join losers anonymous... especially if we can't get our posts looked at...(thanks ladyinred for your response)
(sorry just found yours looking at car insurance and accidents.) If I bring you any flak just aim it towards me I am used to it... shoot... I am babysitting to get my debts in line.. do you think that spells... HOT for my social life????

I hate mondays... just a sideline...

 

[FanofHal]

Mondays... bah humbug

Thanks for your reply... can I whine that you didn't give me any help. sorry feeling sorry for myself... but I know people out there have some kinda clues.


But oh oh THANKs for your support.
Same boat... added up all legitamit bills 7200.00 / what the heck am I supposed to do with 6000.00 if the HMO comes back and bites me in the askmeknowquestions.
I owe people MAJOR money... I would like to take a little vacation from this mess myself... so yes...I DO want a little on the side.
Why won't my lawyer speak with me?
Last thing I asked he said in third party things like this they argue the medical we go back and forth and it may go to court.

But the last before this was... Court...nah...slam dunk...
My goodness.
I was hurt...It was not my fault... I want compensation... how the frig hard is that???
Well even if no one else responded thanks for making me know I am not the only one that is in the same boat...
Its just that I have read on this forum one gal got 55,000 for a 12.000 injury??? what the frig>
I want her lawyer... (but oh she didn't have one...I do... but he doesn't ANSWER the phone )
Whatever I am venting...
Thanks "Ohreallynow." I apreciate the feedback no matter what... let me know what happens if you want...good luck to your friend.
I am Oh really now.. going to bed...

 

[cbg]

FanofHall, I guess I don't understand why you aren't asking your lawyer these questions? He knows a lot more about the details than strangers on a bulletin board. So he assumes you already know this; let him know you don't.

 

[FanofHal]

Thanks Cbg

WOW the great cbg... thanks for your reply...You are right..

I know... I am just frustrated...
I cannot get shmoe- the- lawyer to get on the phone with me... or stay on the phone with me... he rushes me.
I need be stronger with him I know

I ask... "but what about my bills",
He says.."yes the offer is low, they say some of the bills are not applicable..".
I ask "which ones... why?
He says "I will call the adjuster and ask for more"
I ask..."what does this mean, how can they say that, are we going to court?"
He says. " let me get them on the phone, I will let you know"
We hang up and I am left sputtering... and then I have to try to get him to answer the dang phone again.

I am so new to this, I was just asking these questions for feedback... I will just try to get Mr . "allergic to the phone" to answer me.
Thanks again, have a nice day.

 

[cbg]

Sorry I can't be of more help. But honestly, we don't have a clue what's going on behind the scenes as it can be different in every case. Your lawyer is the only one who knows what's going on.

I know it can be tough getting answers from him. Try writing your questions down before you make your phone call so that you don't get distracted. Or set up an appointment and sit down with him - that might be best as he won't have anything else going on at the time.

 

[ablessin]

First of all - you SHOULD have let the MVA pay your medical bills up front... all this has done (by having your HMO pay) is cause HUGE problems - not the HMO and the MVA have to hash it out and also figure out what was MVA related and what was probably regular medical coverage. It could take a long time to correct from here now.

ALWAYS file with the appropriate insurance agent from day 1.... it's smoother in the long run, and you don't come out looking like you're trying to hide anything.

And- if your lawyer is that slow and lazy and "allergic to the phone", maybe it's high time to find an MVA specific lawyer who can help you and will go after ALL the $ you deserve. In NYS we have an auto injury lawyer, and his slogan is "hurt in a car - call Matar!! I am sure you can find a kick-ass lawyer who will get you more than 6 thousand dollars.

Good luck