The Michigan Supreme Court issued an opinion July 31 upholding the Michigan Court of Appeals’ decision that changes to the auto no-fault law passed in 2019 on attendant care and other lifetime benefits cannot be applied to individuals injured before the law went into effect.
This is a positive decision for these auto accident survivors and their families, as those injured prior to the reforms can receive the lifetime benefits they were promised.
The MHA issued a media statement the morning of the decision expressing the importance of this decision for auto accident survivors and their access to needed healthcare services. The MHA has been in contact with the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) to initiate efforts on how to determine and bill for the appropriate reimbursement which results from this court ruling. DIFS is not prepared to issue any guidance yet, but the MHA will again push for clear direction to both insurers and hospitals for reimbursement rates and practices. The MHA will also pursue the previously introduced legislative reforms in House Bill 4884 to expand access to care for patients.
Members with questions may contact Laura Appel at the MHA.