How am I going to pay for my medical bills?

A: If possible, have your private or public insurance pay your bills. Some doctors will treat you without being paid, but will place a lien on your recovery. Private insurance companies, Medicaid, and Medicare do have the right of reimbursement, so anything they pay out will be returned to them when the case settles. However, they negotiate reduced rates with doctors, less than a doctor ordinarily bills a patient directly, so you’ll have less coming out of the recovery than if you have to pay off a doctor’s lien. You will pay your own bills in the future, once the case is resolved. The amount of your recovery should include the cost of projected future medical expenses.