The new PIP Law that takes effect on January 1, 2013 makes significant changes.
The substantive changes under the new PIP law, HB119, will take effect on January 1, 2013. Among the main changes under the new PIP law are the following:
1. A claimant must receive treatment within 14 days of the auto accident.
2. PIP benefits are limited to $2,500 if a provider determines that the claimant did not have an emergent medical condition.
3. The insurance company has a right to an additional 60 days to investigate a claim, giving the insurer a total of 90 days to investigate the claim. The insurer must notify the insured within 30 days from the date of the accident that the claim is under investigation in order to be entitled to the additional 60 days to investigate the claim.
4. The insured, or omnibus insured, must comply with the terms of the insurance policy, which may include submitting to an examination under oath or an IME. Compliance with this is a condition to receiving PIP benefits.
5. The insurer has a duty to maintain a PIP log and must provide the insured a copy within 30 days after receiving a request for the PIP log.
6. An insurer may limit payment to a fee schedule only if the insurance policy includes a notice at the time of issuance or renewal that the insurer may limit payment pursuant to the schedule of charges.
If you have any questions regarding the new PIP law, or have had any bills reduced or denied, please contact our office for a free consultation.
