Highlights of Florida's New PIP Insurance Laws for 2013

 House Bill 119 Motor Vehicle Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance was signed into law by Florida Gov. Rick Scott last May. The law which has been described by industry observers as the most significant auto insurance law in years, seeks to clamp down on alleged abuse and fraud and improve the state's no-fault, personal injury protection (PIP) system.

The medical benefits provisions of the law will take effect on Jan. 1, 2013.  They include the requirement that accident victims report an auto-related injury and seek treatment within 14 days.  Under the new law, those physicians and facilities able to diagnose individuals seeking treatment under PIP medical benefits are:  licensed physicians, licensed osteopathic physicians, licensed chiropractic physicians, licensed dentists, hospitals, facilities that own are are owned by hospitals, or licensed emergency transportation or treatment providers.

The law also applies two coverage limits for PIP medical benefits, based on the severity of the individuals medical condition.  Policyholders could receive up to $10,000 in benefits for emergency medical care and $2,500 for other less serious injuries, Followup medical care must also be consistent with the underlying medical diagnosis rendered when the initial services and care were received.

In addition to the $10,000 in medical and disability benefits, $5.000 in death benefits is offered.  The death benefit was previously the lesser of the unused benefits, up to a limit of $5,000.  The increase goes into effect in January.  The PIP medical fee schedule revisions to help resolve alleged ambiguities in the schedule also take effect in January. Revisions include clarifying the reimbursement levels for care provided by ambulatory surgical centers and clinical laboratories.  Insurers will be required to include notice of the fee schedule in their policies.<sup>1


1</sup>Excerpt from Florida House Bill 119, Florida Senate.