Last time I wrote about the new “Emergency Medical Condition” definition/requirement in the Florida PIP Statute ready to take effect on January 1, 2013. Leave it to the lawmakers to add to an already confused and complex insurance issue. Obviously everyone wants to know how this will affect reimbursement of medical expenses as a result of an accident.
PIP benefits have always been paid at 80% up to $10,000. By the way, they came up with $10,000 maximum benefit over thirty years ago. The new law says you are still eligible for the $10,000 as long as it has been determined that you have an “Emergency Medical Condition”. Determined by who? By a licensed physician, a dentist, a physician assistant, or an advanced registered nurse practitioner. What about a Chiropractor? Nope, apparently they don’t count anymore. You can go to a chiropractor but if you don’t first go to one of the providers as stated above for your determination, then you are only eligible for up to $2,500 in PIP benefits. Also, if it is determined that you never had an “Emergency Medical Condition”, it doesn’t matter who you treat with, you will only be eligible for up to $2,500 of PIP benefits. I almost forgot, massage and acupuncture treatment are not covered any more, no matter what.
Stay tuned for more about this subject as we get closer to the new year.