Does Medicare Cover Car Accidents in North Carolina?
If you are injured in a car accident and receive Medicare, do not assume it will automatically cover your medical bills. A settlement from the driver who caused the crash and their insurance will ultimately be responsible for accident-related medical costs – usually up to the limits of their liability insurance. In the meantime, Medicare will cover your medicals as it usually does – but it will likely have the right to seek reimbursement.
Our car accident lawyers at Rhine Law Firm, P.C. are familiar with the complex regulations regarding Medicare reimbursements. We can negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company so that you receive the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Car Insurance Requirements in North Carolina
North Carolina is a fault state, meaning the at-fault driver’s insurance company is primarily responsible for covering accident-related medical expenses. The accident victim must file a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer, which should also pay for lost wages, property damage, and other losses resulting from the accident.
As of July 1, 2025, North Carolina’s minimum auto liability insurance requirements have increased to: $50,000 bodily injury per person, $100,000 bodily injury per accident, and $50,000 in property damage. Drivers must also carry both uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage at those same 50/100/50 minimums.
Unlike in many states, North Carolina’s uninsured motorist coverage also pays for damage to your car. And if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover all your costs, your own underinsured motorist coverage can make up the difference.
How Medicare Works
Most U.S. citizens become eligible for Medicare at age 65. They can choose Original Medicare, which includes hospital (Part A) and medical (Part B) coverage, and can add a drug plan (Part D) and a Medigap policy to help cover out-of-pocket costs. Alternatively, they can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), which is offered by private insurers and usually combines Parts A, B, and D into one plan.
In North Carolina, both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may cover accident-related medical treatment. However, if another source of payment is available, such as a settlement, judgment, or insurance payout, either type of Medicare plan may seek reimbursement for the accident-related costs it covered.
Note that Medicare only pays for medical expenses. It will not cover other accident-related losses such as lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, or pain and suffering. Those costs must be recovered through your personal injury claim.
Medicare Secondary Provider Rules
Medicare is usually not the first to pay for accident-related treatment when another source of coverage is available. It steps in only after those funds are used. If your settlement includes money for future medical care, Medicare expects you to spend that portion of the settlement before it will pay for related treatment.
Benefits Coordination and Recovery Center (BCRC)
If you are in a car accident and Medicare pays for any of your medical expenses, you must notify the Benefits Coordination and Recovery Center (BCRC). The BCRC is responsible for ensuring Medicare is repaid for any conditional payments — payments made on the condition that they will be reimbursed after a settlement or judgment.
Your car accident lawyer can handle this process on your behalf. They may gather and submit documents such as the police report and medical records, even if the BCRC does not specifically request them. Using this documentation proactively helps prove which expenses Medicare covered, disputes unrelated charges, and speeds up negotiations over the final repayment amount.
How a Car Accident Lawyer at Rhine Law Firm, P.C. Can Help
If Medicare has paid for accident-related treatment, your lawyer plays a critical role in protecting your settlement. As noted, Medicare has the right to be reimbursed for those payments, a process known as subrogation. However, we can challenge unrelated charges, negotiate with Medicare, and ensure you don’t pay more than required.
In some cases, we may recommend setting aside a portion of your settlement for future medical care, but this decision depends on your unique circumstances. By managing these issues, our firm helps maximize the portion of the settlement you keep while ensuring compliance with Medicare rules.
Contact a North Carolina Car Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you suffered a serious personal injury in a motor vehicle accident due to another driver’s negligence or recklessness, you need the services of an experienced car accident lawyer at Rhine Law Firm, P.C.
We not only fight for the full value of your claim but also handle complex issues involving Medicare coverage and reimbursement, helping you protect as much of your settlement as possible. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. Because we work on a contingency basis, you pay no fee unless you receive compensation.
About Us
Rhine Law Firm, P.C. serves clients throughout North Carolina and nationwide, specializing in complex civil litigation led by Joel Rhine. With expertise in personal injury, car accidents, property damage, sex abuse, and more, the firm is passionate about taking on challenging cases. They emphasize providing personalized legal representation, prioritizing their clients’ best interests while offering state-of-the-art legal strategies. Rhine Law Firm’s dedicated attorneys enjoy the fight for justice and are committed to guiding clients through complicated legal processes. The firm offers free consultations, flexible appointment scheduling, and Spanish language services.
