Attempt to Circumvent PIP Reform Draws Policymakers’ Ire
The efforts of a Tampa company to solicit chiropractors to circumvent PIP reforms has drawn adverse reactions from legislators and insurance regulators. Governor Scott has not yet acted on the bill passed at the end of the 2012 legislative session, but he worked hard with legislators to pass the bill and is expected to sign it into law.
The bill (HB 119) maintains the mandatory $10,000 PIP coverage for accident injuries but reduces the limit for non-emergency treatments to $2,500. A Tampa-based health care staffing agency is offering to send medical doctors or osteopathic physicians to chiropractor’s offices to examine patients and fill out paperwork that could possibly qualify them as emergency services, which would leave the higher $10,000 PIP limit intact.
“Chiropractors. Don’t miss out on your $7,500,” the Medical on Demand Staffing wrote in its mailer. “We Have The Medical Doctors You Need.”
“The governor hasn’t even signed the bill yet and some firm is sending this thing around?” asked Representative Jim Boyd, who sponsored the House bill. “It’s very brazen and I think action will be taken if someone is trying to do something that is not acceptable.” Boyd indicated that he had already raised questions about this solicitation with Florida’s Department of Health and Division of Insurance Fraud.
Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty also expressed concern. “It is disheartening to learn that unscrupulous actors are already developing methods to circumvent this good law before it has even been presented to the governor,” said McCarty.