Does Medicare Cover Car Accident Injuries?

Accidents happen. And, if are in an accident, the medical bills can be quite high.

For for those in the Medicare program, a common many have is, “does Medicare cover car accident injuries?” In this article, we answer the question in clear, plain English. You will also find the average costs of car accident injury treatment, as well as other helpful info.

Does Medicare Cover Car Accident Injuries?

The short answer is yes; Medicare will cover the cost of treatment for injuries sustained from car accidents. But not 100% of the time. As is often the case with Medicare, you must meet certain conditions in order for Medicare to pay for your car accident injury treatment. Below we look at what these are so you know what to expect.

In the case of injuries from an auto accident, Medicare basically serves as back up insurance. An auto insurance policy will serve as the primary insurance that covers healthcare expenses after an accident. Medicare will likely cover the costs that the auto insurance policy does not cover.

When it comes to those costs, Medicare Part B will cover 80% of the ambulance services costs if you are taken to a healthcare facility via ambulance. Part B also covers treatment performed in the emergency room. And may also cover doctor visits, medical drugs, X-rays, and diagnostic tests needed to evaluate your injuries in the emergency room.

Medicare Part B will also cover any outpatient physical and occupational therapy, chiropractic services, and outpatient mental health care related to the car accident. Part B provides coverage for DME, such as arm, neck, and back braces that you may need after your car accident.

Medicare Part A will cover charges for your inpatient care. That includes medical drugs used during your stay in an inpatient setting. Medicare Part D provides coverage for oral medications used in the emergency room and your home.

Another key thing to understand is that you MUST report your accident to Medicare. That is because Medicare has to be reimbursed for the money they spent for your treatment after the accident.

How Much Does It Cost To Treat Injuries Sustained From A Car Accident?

According to reports, emergency room visits for car accidents cost an average of $3,300. Hospitalization for car accidents average around $57,000 over the patient’s lifetime.

Tips To Avoid Car Accidents

The easiest and most important tip to share when driving a car is to buckle up. That is what seat belts are for, to make sure you and your passengers are safe. In case of a car accident, seat belts will make sure that you stay in place. They are highly effective at reducing the risk, and severity, of injuries.

But even though seat belts are made for your and your passengers’ safety, it is still more critical to avoid car accidents. And one of the most common road rules is not to drink and drive or to text and drive. Being impaired and/or distracted greatly increases the likelihood of an accident.

Note: Medicare coverage changes all the time. And your specific coverage may vary from plan to plan for Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. Always be sure to double check with your health care provider and/or Medicare insurance provider about what your plan covers and what it does not.