Disclaimer: This is general information and not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Arkansas attorney or contact the Arkansas Insurance Department.

What is medical payments (MedPay) coverage?

Medical payments (often called MedPay) is first‑party auto insurance coverage that pays for reasonable medical and funeral expenses resulting from an auto accident, regardless of who was at fault. It typically covers you, household family members, and passengers in your vehicle up to the limits shown on your policy declarations.

Who can use MedPay?

MedPay generally covers:

• You and family members who live with you;
• Passengers in your vehicle at the time of the crash;
• Sometimes you as a pedestrian or cyclist if hit by a vehicle, depending on your policy language.

How MedPay differs from health insurance and liability coverage

MedPay is primary or secondary depending on policy wording. It can pay medical bills quickly without proving fault. It is different from another driver’s liability insurance, which requires proof the other driver is at fault. MedPay often coordinates with health insurance to avoid duplicate payments.

Step‑by‑step: How to make a MedPay claim in Arkansas

1. Confirm you have MedPay and the limit. Check your policy declarations page for “Medical Payments,” its dollar limit (for example, $1,000, $5,000), and any exclusions.
2. Get prompt medical care. Seek treatment immediately. MedPay covers reasonable medical expenses for covered injuries. Document all care and keep receipts, bills, provider names, dates, and diagnoses.
3. Notify your insurer fast. Call the telephone number on your policy or claims card and report the accident. Most policies require prompt notice. Provide the date, location, brief facts, names of those involved, and medical treatment information.
4. Complete the insurer’s claim forms. Your insurer will send or provide forms and may request medical releases. Sign and return them promptly so the carrier can evaluate and pay qualified bills.
5. Submit medical bills and proof of payment. Send itemized bills, receipts, provider statements, and any explanation of benefits from health insurance. If your health insurer paid a bill, include the EOB so the auto insurer knows the balance.
6. Cooperate with reasonable requests. The insurer may ask for recorded statements, doctor records, or authorization for medical records. Cooperate while protecting your rights; consult counsel if you feel pressured to provide unnecessary statements.
7. Watch subrogation and reimbursement (if applicable). If MedPay pays your bills and you later recover from the at‑fault driver or their insurer, your auto insurer may have a subrogation or reimbursement right to be paid back from that recovery. Save documents and coordinate payments to avoid double recovery disputes.
8. Keep a claims file. Keep copies of the accident report, claim number, adjuster contact, medical records, bills, receipts, and all communication with the insurer.

Typical insurer responses and timeline

After you file a MedPay claim, the carrier will acknowledge receipt, assign a claim number, and request records. Payment depends on verifying that the bills are for covered injuries and that the policy limits apply. Small claims often resolve in weeks; complex matters can take months. If a claim is denied or partially paid, request a written explanation and the policy basis for the decision.

Common reasons a MedPay claim is reduced or denied

• Injury not caused by the covered accident.
• Bills are not reasonable or customary.
• Failure to seek timely medical treatment or missing documentation.
• Policy exclusions (for example, noncovered conduct or vehicles).
• Claim filed after the policy’s notice deadlines.

How subrogation works (in plain language)

If MedPay pays your medical bills and you later collect money from the at‑fault party, your insurer may assert a right to be reimbursed for what it paid. This is called subrogation. The insurer’s right and the way it is enforced depends on your policy language and Arkansas law and may require cooperation when you pursue a third‑party claim.

When to contact an attorney

Consider talking to an attorney if:

• The insurer denies your MedPay claim without a clear reason.
• You have large medical bills that exceed your MedPay limits and it is unclear who is at fault.
• There is a dispute about whether bills were related to the accident.
• You are asked to reimburse the insurer and you dispute the amount or right to reimbursement.

Hypothetical example (simple)

Jane carries $5,000 MedPay on her Arkansas auto policy. She is rear‑ended and spends two days in urgent care with $2,200 in bills. She reports the crash to her insurer, supplies bills and doctor notes, and the carrier pays the eligible bills up to $2,200. If Jane later gets $4,000 from the at‑fault driver’s insurer, her own carrier may seek reimbursement of the $2,200 it paid, depending on her policy.

Arkansas resources and where to check rules

• Arkansas Insurance Department (consumer information on auto insurance): https://insurance.arkansas.gov/
• Arkansas Legislature (search state statutes and the Arkansas Code): https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/

Because MedPay arises from your insurance contract and is regulated by state insurance law, consult your policy and the Arkansas Insurance Department for specific rules that apply to your claim.

Helpful Hints

• Read the declarations page to confirm MedPay limits and covered persons.
• Seek immediate medical treatment and keep proof of care and bills.
• Report the accident to your carrier as soon as possible and get a claim number.
• Keep all receipts, EOBs, and records in one organized file for the claim.
• Do not sign away rights or accept full settlement from a third party without checking MedPay reimbursement obligations first.
• If your health insurer paid first, include the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) so your auto carrier can see any remaining balance.
• Ask for written reasons if an insurer denies or reduces payment; you may have appeal options with the carrier or the Arkansas Insurance Department.
• When in doubt about reimbursement or denial, consider a consultation with an Arkansas lawyer experienced in insurance disputes.