What Is Medical Payments (Med-Pay) Coverage in Colorado?

Medical payments coverage (“Med-Pay”) is optional auto insurance in Colorado that helps pay for reasonable medical expenses you and your passengers incur after a car accident— regardless of who caused it. Since 2009, all Colorado insurance carriers are required to offer a $5,000.00 medical payments policy. In order for you to decline Med-Pay coverage, you must sign a rejection form explicitly indicating you do not want such coverage.

What Does Med-Pay Cover After a Colorado Car Accident?

If you were injured in a Colorado car accident, Med-Pay may help pay for:

• Health insurance deductibles and co-pays
• Doctor or hospital visits
• Surgery, X-rays or prostheses
• Ambulance and emergency medical technician fees
• Professional nursing services

Med-Pay vs. Liability Coverage in Colorado

While both Med-Pay and liability coverage relate to car accidents, they serve different purposes:

• Med-Pay – Optional coverage that pays for your medical expenses and those of your passengers, no matter who caused the accident.

• Liability coverage – Required by Colorado law. It pays for the other party’s medical bills, property damage, and other costs when you’re at fault, but it will not pay for your own medical expenses.

• When the other driver is at fault – Their liability coverage may help cover your costs, but payment is not guaranteed and may take time to resolve through insurance claims or legal action.

Key takeaway: Med-Pay offers faster, more direct coverage for your medical bills after a crash, while liability coverage protects you financially if you injure someone else or damage their property.

Liability Coverage in Colorado

On the other hand, liability coverage is required by Colorado law. Unfortunately, your auto liability coverage will not pay for your medical bills. Liability coverage will, however, help pay an injured party’s medical expenses, including your passenger if you caused the accident. Similarly, if another driver is at fault for a car accident that injures you, their auto liability coverage may help pay for your medical bills.

Med-Pay vs. Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

While both Med-Pay and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) cover medical expenses after a car accident, there are important differences to understand:

1. Availability – PIP is offered in “no-fault” states where each driver’s own insurance covers medical costs regardless of fault. Med-Pay is available in states like Colorado that do not have a no-fault system.

2. Requirement – In some states, PIP is mandatory, while in others it’s optional. Med-Pay is always optional in Colorado, though insurance companies must offer it by law.

3. Covered expenses – PIP may also cover lost wages, childcare, and other essential services if you can’t work after the accident. Med-Pay strictly covers medical costs such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and ambulance services.

Bottom line: PIP offers broader benefits, but Med-Pay is a valuable, low-cost way for Colorado drivers to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses after an accident.

Med-Pay Coverage Limits in Colorado

Your coverage limit is the maximum your insurer will pay per covered loss. You choose the limit when you buy coverage. You pay for any expenses beyond that limit.

How Does Med-Pay Work?

Medical payments coverage acts as a secondary layer of protection after your primary health insurance. If you’re injured in a car accident:

1. Your health insurance is billed first.

2. Any deductibles, co-pays, or out-of-pocket medical costs you owe can be submitted to your auto insurer under your Med-Pay coverage.

3. Med-Pay pays these costs up to your policy limit, regardless of who was at fault for the crash.

Example: After a Colorado car accident, your health insurance may cover part of your ER bill, but you might still owe a deductible and co-insurance. Med-Pay can help cover those out-of-pocket costs, allowing you to get treatment without unexpected financial strain.

Do I Need a Lawyer If I Have Med-Pay?

Yes — Med-Pay won’t cover lost wages, pain and suffering, or long-term damages. A car accident attorney can help you recover additional compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance.

Free Consultation with a Colorado Car Accident Lawyer

To recover those items, contact the Denver car accident lawyers at Bowman Law. We have extensive experience dealing with Med-Pay and other coverages related to a car accident in Colorado. Contact a Denver car accident lawyer at Bowman Law today for your free consultation.

Our Personal Injury Lawyers Serve the Colorado Front Range

Our law firm handles a wide range of personal injury cases, including Motor Vehicle Accidents, Bicycle Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents, and others. We serve the entire Front Range including Denver, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Broomfield, Commerce City, Lakewood, Littleton, Thornton, Westminster.

FAQs About Med-Pay in Colorado

Q: Can I decline Med-Pay coverage?
A: Yes. Colorado insurers must offer at least $5,000 in Med-Pay coverage. To decline, you must sign a written rejection form; otherwise, it’s automatically included.

Q: Does Med-Pay cover ambulance fees?
A: Yes. Med-Pay covers necessary ambulance and EMT services after a car accident, no matter who caused it.

Q: What if my medical bills exceed my Med-Pay limit?
A: You’re responsible for costs beyond your Med-Pay limit, but health insurance or a claim against the at-fault driver’s coverage may help.