After a car accident, the last thing you want to think about is paying out of pocket for medical care. Most accident victims do not realize their own auto policy already includes a coverage option that pays for chiropractic, physical therapy, and emergency room bills — often with no deductible. It is called MedPay, and it is one of the most underused features of auto insurance in Missouri.
Here is exactly what MedPay covers, how it works alongside your health insurance, and why so many St. Louis drivers leave money on the table after a crash.
What Is MedPay?
MedPay (short for “medical payments coverage”) is an optional add-on to your auto insurance policy. When you buy auto insurance in Missouri, you may have selected MedPay coverage in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. Many drivers select it without realizing what it actually does — until they need it.
MedPay covers reasonable medical expenses for you and your passengers after a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. That last part is critical: you do not have to win an injury claim or prove the other driver was responsible. If the bills are accident-related, MedPay pays them.
How MedPay Works After a Car Accident
When you see a doctor or chiropractor after a crash, the provider bills your auto insurer’s MedPay first. If your MedPay limit is $5,000, the policy pays up to that amount toward your treatment. Once it is exhausted, your health insurance or the at-fault driver’s insurance picks up the rest.
At Citrin Chiropractic Center, we bill MedPay directly. You do not need to file claims yourself, pay providers up front, or wait months for reimbursement. We coordinate with your auto insurer from your first visit until treatment is complete.
MedPay vs. Health Insurance — Why MedPay First?
Many patients ask, “Why use MedPay if I have health insurance?” Three reasons:
- No deductible, no copay. MedPay generally pays from dollar one. Your health plan likely has a $1,500–$5,000 deductible you would otherwise have to meet.
- Preserves your health insurance for non-accident issues. Using MedPay first keeps your annual deductible from being eaten by accident-related care.
- Faster claims processing. Auto insurers typically process MedPay claims in days, not the weeks health plans can take.
What MedPay Covers
Almost any medically necessary, accident-related expense is covered:
- Chiropractic adjustments and rehabilitation
- Emergency room and urgent care visits
- X-rays, MRIs, and diagnostic imaging
- Physical therapy and active rehab
- Prescription medications
- Spinal decompression therapy for disc injuries
- Massage therapy when prescribed
- Specialist consultations (orthopedist, neurologist)
MedPay generally does not cover lost wages, pain and suffering, or property damage — those are addressed through liability or PIP claims.
How to File a MedPay Claim
Three steps:
- Notify your insurer of the accident. Most policies require notification within a reasonable time after the crash.
- Provide your MedPay claim number to your provider. Bring it to your first chiropractic visit and we will handle the rest.
- Keep documentation. Hold onto bills, X-ray reports, and treatment notes — these support both MedPay and any future liability claim.
Common MedPay Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long to see a doctor. Most insurers expect you to seek care within days, not weeks.
- Assuming you do not have it. Check your declarations page or call your agent — MedPay is on most Missouri policies.
- Settling too early. If you settle the at-fault driver’s liability claim before your treatment is complete, you may not be reimbursed for later bills.
- Trying to navigate it alone. If injuries are significant, a personal injury attorney can ensure both MedPay and liability are properly coordinated.
Bottom Line
MedPay is one of the best, most overlooked benefits of Missouri auto insurance. If you have it on your policy and you have been in a crash, use it. At Citrin Chiropractic, we verify your coverage, file claims directly, and make sure you do not pay a dollar out of pocket for accident-related care while your MedPay limit is available.
Ready for relief? Call Citrin Chiropractic Center at (314) 890-2400 or request your appointment online. We offer same-day appointments, accept all major auto insurance, and provide free transportation if needed. Two doctors with 35+ years of experience, bilingual care (English/Spanish), serving St. Louis since 1977.
