A lot of our clients are Medicaid recipients, and unfortunately, they also get involved in a car accident. Then the question becomes, what’s going to happen to their medical bills?
If they hospitalized and our medical provider chooses to build Medicaid.

What is Medicaid? #

Medicaid is basically state-sponsored health insurance for people that are really needed, that are disabled or they not financially yet to have their own private health insurance. So, Medicaid will in most instances pay those bills. However, it will then be entitled to a recovery of those medical bills, if you are successful in obtaining a settlement for your injuries from the at-fault party, or their car insurance company. It’s a straightforward process. We contact Medicaid or the third party people that negotiate on their behalf. They send us a number, and we have to pay them back.

Should I use Medicaid? #

This is one of the most common questions I get from my clients.  The short answer is, yes. The reason for that is medical bills will get to pay, you will get the medical treatment that you need. Unfortunately, the way that tort reform has panned out here in Missouri is that you can then expect a lower settlement from your personal injury car accident case because juries in Missouri nowadays are allowed to only consider the paid amount of your medical bills, and Medicaid really only pays 10-20% of the charged amounts. As I said the short answer is yes, use it. But you will have to pay them back down the road once the case settles One last aspect of Medicaid and car accident cases.

As I mentioned previously, it is a need-based program which means that if you’re not financially there to get private health insurance, you will get Medicaid. However, once you get that settlement amounts from the car accident you may be bumped above that threshold. I always advise my clients: “Hey, listen I don’t know a whole lot when it comes to reporting requirements for Medicaid purposes.

So, I would advise you to consult with somebody else. But in any case, you have to be honest with the state of Missouri and those folks that provide Medicaid. And let them know that you’ve made this recovery. If they find out down the road you may have more trouble.

Hope this helps, and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to give me a call at 314-352-6800.

Bajric & Ramic Law Office
Nedim Ramic – Auto Accident Lawyer – Personal Injury Attorney