By Mary Ann Roser; Austin American Statesman; May 28, 2011
This story is directly on point with my blog entry on May 27, 2010. It's shameful that Seton chooses not to process health insurance so that they can attempt to collect more money from injury victims' recoveries from responsible third parties. Keep in mind health insurers have a claim for reimbursement from the recoveries, if any. Also, it should be remembered that injury victims have claims for more than just medical expenses. As victims of negligence, Texas law also recognizes claims for pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, and lost earnings. Oftentimes, responsible third parties have limited liability insurance proceeds. In fact, the minimum liability requirements for Texas drivers is $25,000 per person/$50,000 per occurrence. The injury victim in the referenced article had emergency room charges in excess of $30,000. Accordingly, Seton's hospital lien would attach to all of the proceeds for a minimum liability policy. This would leave the victim holding the bag for the remainder of her bill and for her other claims of damages (lost earnings, pain and suffering, etc.)
The complete story may be found at: http://www.statesman.com/news/local/injured-patients-discover-hospitals-seeking-a-piece-of-1353975.html
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