Kaiser Requests Reimbursement After Injury

When you’re involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to worry about is paying medical bills. But, unfortunately, that’s often the case when it comes to insurance companies, including Kaiser. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why Kaiser requests reimbursement after car accidents and what you can do to protect yourself.

Why Does Kaiser Request Reimbursement?

It all comes down to a legal principle known as subrogation. This principle allows an insurance company to seek reimbursement from a third party if they’ve paid out benefits for a loss that was caused by that third party. In other words, if Kaiser pays for your medical expenses after a car accident, they may seek reimbursement from the person who caused the accident.

It’s important to note that this is not unique to Kaiser. Practically all insurance companies have the right to seek reimbursement through subrogation. However, the way they go about it can vary. Kaiser, for example, may request that you sign a reimbursement agreement before they pay for your medical expenses. This agreement states that you’ll repay any money they spend on your medical expenses if they’re able to recover it from the other party’s insurance company.

Can Kaiser Legally Seek Reimbursement?

It’s worth noting that California law, specifically the California Insurance Code, Section 11580.2, allows insurance companies to seek reimbursement for medical expenses. This means that even if you don’t sign a reimbursement agreement, Kaiser still has the legal right to seek reimbursement.

Additionally, most healthcare providers include reimbursement rights in their membership agreement. As a condition to providing healthcare, many providers require that the member reimburse costs causes by a third party.

Protecting Yourself

The first thing is to review any reimbursement agreements carefully before signing them. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions, and seek the advice of a lawyer if you have any questions. It’s also a good idea to keep detailed records of all medical expenses related to the accident, including bills, receipts, and any correspondence with Kaiser or the other party’s insurance company.

Additionally, you can also seek the help of a personal injury attorney. We can help you navigate the complex legal process and make sure your rights are protected. They can also help you negotiate a fair settlement with Kaiser or the other party’s insurance company.