Here’s a scary statistic:
If you text and drive, you’re 23 times more likely to have a car crash.
Texting while driving has become the number one driving distraction for many people. Drivers need to be aware of the dangers and keep their attention on the road, not on their cell phones or other mobile devices. Parkview Trauma Centers have developed the Don’t Text & Drive campaign to help educate communities and stop preventable tragedies.
Educate yourself. Take the pledge. Share the message. Don’t Text & Drive.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Florida PIP Changes
Florida, your insurance coverage just changed
Posted
12/20/2012 4:10:00
PM
Referenced Stocks:
Question: In Florida, what changes are there to the PIP
coverage? I've heard a lot of talk about changes in 2013, but I don't know the
details.
Answer: Even with changes to Florida's no-fault insurance , car owners here are still required to purchase $10,000 worth of personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. PIP will continue pay out 80 percent of medical expenses that are found to be necessary and reasonable , regardless of fault.
However, starting in Jan. 1, 2013, there are changes in Florida concerning how quickly you must receive medical treatment for your injuries and who can treat them. How much you can be paid will depend upon your medical condition -- if your injury isn't declared serious, then you can only receive up to $2,500 in PIP benefits.
Under the revisions to Florida's no-fault law (Florida Statute 627.736 ), you must initialize medical services and care within 14 days of the accident in order for to be eligible for benefits. The law is also strict about who can see you for your initial medical treatment.
Starting in 2013, your initial medical care must be:
If the appropriate health-care professional determines that you suffered from an emergency medical condition, then you can receive reimbursement for all medical services and care up to your $10,000 PIP limit. If, instead, you're found to have a non-emergency medical condition, then your PIP benefits are limited to only $2,500.
Florida statute 627.732(16) defines an emergency medical condition as a medical condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity, which may include severe pain. Without seeking immediate medical attention, your medical condition could result in any of the following:
PIP will continue to pay 100 percent for necessary for reasonable replacement services that may be required due to your injuries and 60 percent of work loss -- up to your limit. Death benefits are capped at $5,000 but are in addition your $10,000 medical and work loss benefits.
All portions of your Florida PIP, except the death benefit, will continue to be subjected to the deductible you selected.
The Florida Office of the Insurance Regulation (FLOIR) says that the state established a no-fault system of car insurance to speed up payment for injured drivers and limit lawsuits. However, in recent years the amount of motor vehicle accidents has remained relatively the same in Florida but PIP claims have skyrocketed - nearly 50 percent of fraud investigations are in regards to PIP.
Lawmakers also hoped the PIP reforms would lower car insurance rates in Florida, but thus far the rate filings show the savings to be minimal at best. The state's insurance commissioner says that it appears the PIP revisions are mitigating rate increases instead of producing rate reductions.
The best way to save is to shop around for the cheapest car insurance rates for your coverage needs. Comparison shopping for auto insurance can result in a savings of hundreds of dollars, if not much more. (See "Pocket $1,102 just by shopping around")
Answer: Even with changes to Florida's no-fault insurance , car owners here are still required to purchase $10,000 worth of personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. PIP will continue pay out 80 percent of medical expenses that are found to be necessary and reasonable , regardless of fault.
However, starting in Jan. 1, 2013, there are changes in Florida concerning how quickly you must receive medical treatment for your injuries and who can treat them. How much you can be paid will depend upon your medical condition -- if your injury isn't declared serious, then you can only receive up to $2,500 in PIP benefits.
Under the revisions to Florida's no-fault law (Florida Statute 627.736 ), you must initialize medical services and care within 14 days of the accident in order for to be eligible for benefits. The law is also strict about who can see you for your initial medical treatment.
Starting in 2013, your initial medical care must be:
- provided by emergency medical services personnel, or
- provided in a hospital, or
- in a facility that owns or is wholly owned by a hospital, or
- provided by a medical doctor, an osteopath, a dentist, or chiropractor.
- Hospital
- Ambulatory surgery center
- Medical doctor
- Osteopath
- Dentist
- Chiropractor
- Physician's assistant
- Advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP)
- Physical therapist
- Certain health care clinics
If the appropriate health-care professional determines that you suffered from an emergency medical condition, then you can receive reimbursement for all medical services and care up to your $10,000 PIP limit. If, instead, you're found to have a non-emergency medical condition, then your PIP benefits are limited to only $2,500.
Florida statute 627.732(16) defines an emergency medical condition as a medical condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity, which may include severe pain. Without seeking immediate medical attention, your medical condition could result in any of the following:
- Serious jeopardy to your health;
- Serious impairment to bodily functions;
- Serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part.
PIP will continue to pay 100 percent for necessary for reasonable replacement services that may be required due to your injuries and 60 percent of work loss -- up to your limit. Death benefits are capped at $5,000 but are in addition your $10,000 medical and work loss benefits.
All portions of your Florida PIP, except the death benefit, will continue to be subjected to the deductible you selected.
Why the changes?
Florida is trying to curtail the rampant insurance fraud that has taken place under the no-fault system.The Florida Office of the Insurance Regulation (FLOIR) says that the state established a no-fault system of car insurance to speed up payment for injured drivers and limit lawsuits. However, in recent years the amount of motor vehicle accidents has remained relatively the same in Florida but PIP claims have skyrocketed - nearly 50 percent of fraud investigations are in regards to PIP.
Lawmakers also hoped the PIP reforms would lower car insurance rates in Florida, but thus far the rate filings show the savings to be minimal at best. The state's insurance commissioner says that it appears the PIP revisions are mitigating rate increases instead of producing rate reductions.
The best way to save is to shop around for the cheapest car insurance rates for your coverage needs. Comparison shopping for auto insurance can result in a savings of hundreds of dollars, if not much more. (See "Pocket $1,102 just by shopping around")
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