LANSING, Mich. — We’ve been bringing you stories lately of catastrophically injured auto crash survivors who say changes to the state’s no-fault auto law have cut off access to medical care they need.
There are approximately 18,000 Michiganders who rely on medical benefits from no-fault policies and advocates have been pushing for a fix.
On Tuesday, hundreds of survivors and their loved ones gathered again in Lansing to urge lawmakers to find a fix to the problems that have arisen.
RELATED: Legislative fix in the works for 'care crisis' brought on by no-fault auto reform
As they filled the Capitol building, state Rep. Phil Green introduced a bill that could guarantee their access to vital medical care.
The most recent changes to Michigan’s no-fault program introduced a new medical fee schedule, slashing reimbursement rates that insurance companies are required to provide local care providers.
Advocates say these new reimbursement rates are causing local care companies to close their doors for good. CPAN, a group focused on preserving the state’s no-fault system, has confirmed that at least five people have died since the changes went into effect in July after having some portion of their medical care cut off.
There have been a handful of similar bills introduced in the past seven months, but all have so far languished in committee. We will bring you updates on this most recent bill if it moves forward.
FOX 17's Coverage of No-Fault Auto Reform Care Crisis
May 17, 2021 — New Law Could Have Devastating Consequences
May 24, 2019 — Gov Whitmer & GOP Reach Deal
May 25, 2021 — MI Democrats Urge Action on SB 314 & HB 4486
May 26, 2021 — Families Gather at Capitol to Urge Action
June 2, 2021 — "We're Paying the Price With Our Lives": FOX 17 Extended Coverage
June 9, 2021 — Hundreds of Survivors Protest at Capitol
June 10, 2021 — Rep. Berman Introduces Bill to Prevent Cuts
June 23, 2021 — Advocates Rally Again at Capitol
June 26, 2021 — House Approves $10M Fund
June 30, 2021 — Advocates Say $25M Isn't Enough
July 7, 2021 — Family Scared to Lose Caregivers
July 23, 2021 — Providers Begin Closing their Doors
Aug. 4, 2021 — Patients Continue to Lose Care
Sept. 24, 2021 — Changes Causing Chaos for Survivors
Sept. 27, 2021 — 'We Can't Wait' ArtPrize Entry Highlights Care Crisis
Oct. 4, 2021 — Protest Outside Business of SML Shirkey
Oct. 14, 2021 — Some Insurers Not Following Intent of Law
Oct. 27, 2021 — Legislators Introduce New Package of Bills
Jan. 11, 2022— Report Says No Fault Reform Created Crisis of Care
Jan 17, 2022 - ‘How did we get here?’: Crash survivor forced into hospital after no fault auto law changes
Jan 18, 2022 – Legislative fix in the works for ‘care crisis’ brought on by no-fault auto reform
