Governor Rick Scott and CFO of the state Jeff Atwater had set their priorities right this session, with the entry on the top of the list being the motion to pass the bill that could put an end to the increasing auto insurance frauds which was in turn compounding the auto insurance problems in the state.
According to the rules of the newly passed bill, there will be a specific limit up to which the attorneys can claims as legal fees and the people who are hurt in the accident and plan to file a PIP claim should visit one of the hospital emergency rooms or walk-in clinics within just seven days of the incident. As per the information from the state investigators, injured people normally visit pain clinics and most of the people who run these clinics are not thoroughly certified health care professionals. A large number of pain clinics in the state have been opened for the sole benefit of those filing for personal injury claims. These clinics, over the last few months, have made a lot of profit by providing false certificates to those filing for fraudulent claims. Though the Senate does not limit the treatment times, options such as acupuncture and massage therapy which was till now a part of the PIP plan, will no longer come under it.
Dean Cannon, the speaker of the House in Florida, said this bill was a welcome change since it prioritizes the treatment of the victims involved in the accidents. He said that it also reduces the pressure on the citizens of this state who had to pay higher premiums each year due to increasing fraudulent cases.
Associate Industries of Florida’s Vice President, Jose Gonzalez, said that the auto insurance providers and other businesses as well welcomed this move. He said that they felt more confident now that the bill has been approved. He also said that they were hopeful about the Senate and House working together for the betterment of people going forward. The head of Florida Consumer Action Network, Bill Newton, said that the House version of the bill may not work in favor of consumers since it may limit their choices greatly.
