816-326-2968A car accident can change your life in a matter of seconds. From physical injuries and emotional stress to financial strain, the aftermath of a crash is often overwhelming. One of the most urgent and confusing concerns for many accident victims is: Who pays for my medical bills?
If you’ve been in a crash in Kansas City, understanding how medical expenses are handled under Missouri law is essential. Whether you were at fault, partially at fault, or completely innocent, knowing your options can help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Immediate Medical Care: Who Pays First?
After a car accident, it’s common to be taken to the emergency room, see urgent care providers, or receive treatment from specialists. These bills can arrive quickly—often before your claim is resolved.
In Missouri, the initial responsibility for paying medical bills usually falls on you, the patient. However, that doesn’t mean you must shoulder the cost alone. There are several avenues through which these bills can eventually be paid or reimbursed.
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Your Own Health Insurance
Most people rely on their private health insurance (through an employer or individual plan) or public coverage like Medicaid or Medicare to handle medical costs. Your insurer will typically pay bills according to your plan’s terms—co-pays, deductibles, and coverage limits apply.
Pros:
- Immediate coverage
- Helps prevent unpaid bills from going to collections
Cons:
- You may still owe out-of-pocket costs
- Your insurer may seek reimbursement from your eventual settlement (called subrogation)
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MedPay Coverage on Your Auto Insurance Policy
In Missouri, Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage is optional but highly valuable. It helps pay for your medical bills regardless of who was at fault in the accident.
If you have MedPay:
- It covers you, your passengers, and even pedestrians
- It typically pays up to a set limit (e.g., $1,000 to $10,000)
- It can help bridge the gap before a settlement is reached
Check your auto insurance policy or contact your insurance provider to see if you have MedPay coverage.
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The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
If another driver caused the accident, their liability insurance is ultimately responsible for your medical bills. However, that process takes time.
You must:
- Prove fault
- Submit medical records and bills
- Possibly negotiate or file a claim
Only after settlement or judgment will the at-fault party’s insurer pay for your damages—which may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Important: Insurers do not pay your bills as they come in. You are responsible for managing these until the case is resolved.
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Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or doesn’t have enough coverage to pay your medical expenses, your own policy’s Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may help.
In Missouri:
- UM coverage is mandatory
- UIM coverage is optional but highly recommended
This protection can help cover your losses when the other driver can’t.
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Paying Out of Pocket (Temporarily)
Unfortunately, until your case is resolved, some medical bills may need to be paid out of pocket. Providers may allow payment plans, or you can explore financing options if you don’t have insurance or MedPay.
In some situations, medical providers may agree to delay billing or collections if they know you’re pursuing a personal injury claim and expect a settlement. This is often done under a letter of protection, which is a formal agreement between your provider and your attorney.
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Workers’ Compensation (If It Was a Work-Related Crash)
If you were driving for work at the time of the accident (e.g., delivering goods, attending a work event, traveling between job sites), your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance may cover your medical expenses.
This is separate from any personal injury claim and may offer:
- Full coverage of medical treatment
- Partial wage replacement during recovery
What Happens If You Can’t Pay Right Away?
If you delay or can’t pay your bills:
- Providers may send them to collections
- Your credit score could be affected
- You could face added stress during recovery
That’s why it’s critical to communicate with your providers, explore coverage options, and document every expense.
Tips for Managing Medical Bills After a Kansas City Crash
- Keep a record of every bill, prescription, mileage, and receipt
- Ask your providers if they accept MedPay or will wait for settlement
- Review your auto insurance for MedPay or UM/UIM options
- Notify your health insurer if the injury was accident-related (they may reserve the right to reimbursement)
- Avoid gaps in treatment, which can hurt both your recovery and your claim
Medical bills can be one of the most stressful parts of recovering from a car accident. In Kansas City, multiple payment sources may be available—but navigating them takes time, planning, and follow-through. Whether you’re using health insurance, MedPay, or pursuing compensation from the at-fault driver, it’s important to stay organized and seek guidance when needed.
If you’ve been injured in a car crash, Aramjoo Law Firm is here for you. Contact us today at (816) 479-5898 or online to schedule your free consultation.