Navigating the Healthcare System After an Accident: Barriers Faced by Underserved Communities

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When you get in an accident, you should be able to focus on getting better.

But if you’re a member of an underserved community, you’re likely to face dozens of invisible roadblocks. From claim denial tactics by insurance companies to language barriers and provider shortages… the deck is stacked against you.

And why does this happen to the communities who need healthcare the most?

Simple. Because they face higher rates of injury, violence and incidents leading to accidents. And the system isn’t designed with them in mind.

That’s okay though. Now that you know the barriers exist, you can learn how to fight back against them.

Below you’re going to learn:

• Why Insurance Claim Denial Is The Worst Thing That Can Happen
• Biggest Barriers To Healthcare If You’re In An Accident
• How To Fight Back Against Claim Denial Tactics By Insurance Companies
• How To Protect Yourself After An Accident

Why Insurance Claim Denial Is The Worst Thing That Can Happen

Let’s get one thing straight.

When you’re injured in an accident, the last thing you should have to worry about is insurance claim denial.

Yet for communities with low-income households and minorities, that’s exactly what happens far too often. According to recent data from AJMC, insurance claim denials rose 16% between 2018 and 2024. Denied by their insurance company when they need medical care the most. Sounds fair, right?

Imagine this scenario:

You’re involved in an automobile accident. You go to the hospital and receive treatment. Weeks later, you get a bill from your insurance company denying your claim.

This leaves you stuck covering medical bills on your own. But because you’ve already spent the money on hospital visits, you don’t have the funds to cover it.

The only option is to file for compensation for personal injury. Seeking payment from the party at fault can ensure you’re covered for medical expenses, lost wages and more.

Insurance claim denial doesn’t just hurt you immediately after an accident. It can impact every aspect of your recovery.

But here’s the thing…

Many people don’t know they can file for payment even after being denied by an insurance company. This lack of information is a huge problem in underserved communities.

Biggest Barriers To Healthcare If You’re In An Accident

Just like with insurance claim denial, there are a number of invisible barriers that make it hard for underserved communities to seek healthcare after an accident.

Lack Of Insurance

This almost goes without saying, but if you don’t have insurance, you’ll struggle to file a claim. According to KFF’s research into the uninsured population, minority groups are more likely not to have insurance.

Not only are you likely to be uninsured, but underinsurance is a big problem too. If you have insurance but don’t have coverage for accidents or injuries, you’re leaving yourself at risk. And when you do have coverage, many companies have high deductibles that make paying for treatment difficult.

Language Barrier

Did you know that over 10 million Americans speak English poorly?

If you’re in an accident, mix poor English with hospital jargon and you’re going to have big problems.

Most paperwork, medical forms and claim denial appeals will be difficult for someone with limited English comprehension. Don’t understand what you’re reading? Here’s what could happen:

• You miss the deadline to file an insurance claim
• You fill out an important form incorrectly
• You fail to appeal your insurance claim denial
• You don’t get treatment in a timely manner

Shortages Of Healthcare Providers

Last but not least, we have access to healthcare providers. Much like bus routes and grocery stores, hospitals and clinics are less accessible for underserved communities.

If you’re the victim of an accident and happen to live in a rural area, it’s unlikely you’ll live near a healthcare professional. And when you add injury to that, you may have to travel far to see a doctor. Even follow-up appointments and physical therapy will be harder to manage.

Again, this isn’t true for urban underserved communities too. Major cities are known for a lack of healthcare providers which results in long wait times and travel.

Fight Back Against Claim Denial Tactics By Insurance Companies

If your insurance company denies your claim, there are still steps you can take to receive treatment.

Know Why You Were Denied

Every single time an insurance claim is denied, the insurer is required to provide a reason. Whether it’s due to missing information or a coding error on their end, you have a right to know why.

Carefully read the letter you’ll receive from your insurance provider explaining their decision. It should include:

• The reason they denied your claim
• What you can do about it
• How to file an appeal

Appealing Your Claim

Guess what? You can appeal an insurance claim denial. In fact, many are reversed because the injured party decides to take further action.

When you appeal your claim, you’re asking your provider to reverse their decision. Some statistics show that nearly one-third of denied claims are overturned with an appeal. Here’s what you should do:

• Collect more medical evidence to support your claim
• Fill out an appeal letter asking for your claim to be reviewed
• Send it to your insurer within the timeframe specified
• Follow up with the insurance company regularly

You have nothing to lose by appealing your insurance claim.

Seek Legal Help

Filing an appeal on your own can be difficult, especially if you’re still injured from the accident. But hiring a lawyer can help you fight your insurance company while you focus on healing.

Attorneys know how to navigate the healthcare system and will help you build your appeal. Instead of doing it yourself, hire a professional to get your treatment covered.

How To Protect Yourself After An Accident

Let’s say you want to take matters into your own hands. Here are some tips to help you protect yourself after an accident.

Always document everything. Take pictures of the accident itself, keep all medical records and track any communication with your insurance provider.

When you leave the scene of an accident, head to the hospital. You may think you’re fine, but chances are you have internal injuries. By going to the hospital immediately, you have proof that you were injured during the accident.

Make sure you know your rights. As mentioned above, you can appeal an insurance claim denial. Never let an insurance company or hospital tell you otherwise.

Lastly, don’t give up. Insurance companies will deny claims for various reasons. Some don’t have a leg to stand on and will be reversed with an appeal.

Conclusion

The healthcare system is hard to navigate for everyone, but if you’re part of an underserved community it’s even worse.

Obstacles like insurance claim denial, communication issues and provider shortages make it difficult for these communities to receive proper care.

But that doesn’t mean you don’t have options. Learn about how insurance companies work and always fight back against claim denial tactics.

Don’t be afraid to take legal action if you need to. Your recovery should be your top priority, not the money you don’t have.