Detailed Answer
What medical payments (MedPay) is
Medical payments coverage—often called MedPay—is an optional part of many Louisiana auto insurance policies that pays for reasonable medical and funeral expenses for you and your passengers after an auto crash, regardless of who caused the collision. MedPay can help cover co-pays, deductibles, ambulance rides, X-rays, and short-term medical bills while other coverages (health insurance, liability, or PIP) are sorting out payment.
Step-by-step: How to make a MedPay claim in Louisiana
- Get immediate medical care and document everything. Your first priority is medical attention. Keep all visit summaries, bills, invoices, receipts, treatment plans, and diagnostic reports. MedPay pays for “reasonable” medical expenses; documentation proves those expenses are connected to the crash.
- Notify your auto insurer right away. Call the phone number on your insurance card or policy and tell them you want to open a MedPay claim. Many policies require prompt notice. Ask for a claim number and the name/contact info of the adjuster assigned to you.
- Provide the insurer with the correct information. Give the adjuster: date/time/location of the crash, a brief description of injuries, medical provider names, medical bills and records, police report if available, and the names of other vehicles or witnesses. If you have health insurance, disclose that too—carriers coordinate benefits.
- Understand how MedPay coordinates with other benefits. MedPay is typically primary or secondary depending on your policy language. If you have health insurance, MedPay may fill deductibles or co-pays, or it may reimburse your health insurer if your health insurer paid first. Read your policy’s coordination-of-benefits clauses; keep copies of all medical and payment records to show who paid what and when.
- Keep careful records of communications and expenses. Track phone calls (date, time, person), emails, letters, claim numbers, and any settlement offers. Keep originals of medical bills and receipts and request itemized billing from providers.
- Respond promptly to requests for information. The insurer may ask for medical records releases, additional medical documentation, or proof of payment. Providing requested items quickly speeds the claim process.
- If the insurer accepts the claim, review any settlement offer. MedPay claims often settle by direct payment to you or to medical providers. Before signing a release, confirm the offer covers the eligible medical expenses and understand whether signing cancels other claims related to the crash.
- If the claim is denied or underpaid, ask for the reason in writing. Denials must be based on policy terms or lack of proof. If you disagree, you can (a) submit additional documentation, (b) request an internal review, (c) file a complaint with the Louisiana Department of Insurance, or (d) consult an attorney to evaluate contract or bad-faith options.
Practical notes under Louisiana law
Auto insurance contracts in Louisiana are governed by the Louisiana Insurance Code (Title 22 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes) and by the written terms of your policy. The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) provides consumer guidance about auto insurance and filing complaints; you can find general information at the LDI website: https://ldi.la.gov. For statutory text and detailed provisions on insurance regulation, use the Louisiana Legislature’s website: https://www.legis.la.gov and search Title 22 (Insurance Code).
Common issues claimants face
- Confusion about whether MedPay or health insurance pays first — read your policy’s coordination-of-benefits clause.
- Denials for lack of “reasonable” medical treatment — insurers commonly review whether the treatment matched the injury.
- Subrogation and repayment demands — if MedPay pays and another party or their insurer later pays you for medical bills, your insurer may assert subrogation rights to be reimbursed. Keep careful records of all payments and settlements.
When to get legal help
You may want to consult an attorney if the insurer unreasonably denies or delays your MedPay claim, demands repayment incorrectly, misapplies coordination-of-benefits rules, or if you need help protecting your rights when multiple coverages and fault disputes exist. An attorney can explain contract rights under Louisiana law, advise about potential bad-faith claims, and help negotiate settlements. This article explains common steps and issues but does not replace professional legal advice.
Disclaimer: This is general information only and not legal advice. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed attorney.
Helpful Hints
- Read your auto policy’s MedPay section carefully—know the limits, who is covered, and any deadlines.
- Seek medical care quickly and identify in records that treatment was due to the auto accident.
- Ask for itemized medical bills and keep originals; insurers often request detailed bills to pay MedPay claims.
- Obtain and keep a copy of the police report and photos of vehicle damage and injuries.
- Keep a written log of all conversations with insurers (date, time, person, summary).
- If you have health insurance, notify your health insurer and understand whether they will seek reimbursement if MedPay later pays.
- If the insurer denies your MedPay claim, request the denial in writing and review your policy terms before you sign any release.
- If you suspect bad faith handling of your claim, consider contacting the Louisiana Department of Insurance at https://ldi.la.gov/consumers/ or speaking with an attorney.