FAQ’s on Michigan’s Auto No-Fault Law

Lane and I had the chance to go back to Grand Rapids today. As we got closer we were reminded of a few of the many reasons we are glad to be out of that city. The closer we got the temps dropped and the snow increased:) Yes, we miss the people but not the lake effect weather!

Lane’s sleep has continued to be really limited so our first stop today was a consult with a sleep doctor. We had to wait several weeks for this appointment so we were thrilled when the scheduler said he could come in for an April 4th sleep study. Based on Lane’s ENT a couple weeks back we know its not an upper airway/breathing problem that’s causing him to lose sleep. They’ve narrowed it down to the possibility of a med (that he’s tapering off) or his decreased diaphragm strength, thus needing assistance in the lower airway throughout the night (a BIPAP could assist this). We are praying that the sleep study coming up will give us some definitive answers. The sleep doctor we saw today was also a pulmonologist, and scheduled a pulmonary function test in April to assess his lung function/capability.

Our second stop was a CPAN conference in GR. CPAN is the Coalition Protecting Auto No Fault, an organization that we’ve found to be incredibly helpful in learning all that is going on with Michigan’s recent auto no fault bills. We left with SO much information and are looking forward to addressing some specific things with the legislators in our area, as well as informing friends and family with what they can be doing. Unfortunately we found out the Republican party is the side that is voting most hugely against Michigan’s auto no fault. We’d like to encourage YOU to research it more via the CPAN website and read stories of how Michigan’s auto no fault has effected thousands. A couple specific FAQ’s:

1. Is Michigan’s auto insurance so high because of auto no fault?
NO. This is what auto insurance companies may try to tell you but its because Michigan policy holders pay the most in the country for collision coverage (nearly 30% above the national average).

2. So what if the auto no fault is capped at 10 Million (House Bill 4612)? Why “unlimited access” for no fault? A better way to look at this is lifetime injury care. If someone did not need this care they would not need the unlimited access. If the auto no fault law is capped thousands of the most severely injured will be forced to turn to Medicaid to pay for their care. And where would that come from? Taxpayers. You and I.  A recent study done by Public Sector Consultant found that taxpayers could be charged an additional 30 million in Medicaid costs every year if benefits were capped. For example, in Colorado lawmakers eliminated auto no fault and the Medicaid budget skyrocketed more than 205% in less than 5 years! This site has more info on the recently proposed bill and all that it would entail if passed:  http://autonofaultlaw.com/michigan-auto-no-fault-reform-hb-4612

3. With Michigan’s auto no fault aren’t people basically paying twice for health insurance?
None of us know when a serious injury of any kind could take place via an auto accident. Lane or I sure didn’t expect this 7 months into our marriage. These serious accidents are what Michigan’s auto no fault is for. Many health policies exclude auto accident coverage and limit skilled nursing care to 45 days a year. This would’ve been about one tenth of what Lane required.  On top of this, most health insurance plans only cover a combination of 60 visits per YEAR for PT, OT and Speech therapies.

4. Why is Michigan the only state with this type of auto insurance?
Unfortunately because of this in many other states families have had to file bankruptcy before Medicaid will pay for their injuries. And the nursing homes have young people surrounded by seniors in order for their family to afford this care. Michigan should ultimately be a model system. Our auto insurance is for drivers and funded by drivers, not other taxpayers.

Just a few answers to the questions we have wondered and have been asked. Please join us in supporting Michigan’s Auto No Fault and talking with your legislator about the importance of this system. Or check out http://www.cpan.us/michigan_no_fault_system.php

Thanks for your prayers and continued support!

Lane and Emily