Prescription delivery after an auto accident (PIP)

How it generally works

PIP is a type of auto insurance coverage that, in some states and policies, helps pay for medical costs after an accident regardless of who was at fault. Other coverage, such as medical payments coverage, health insurance or the other driver's insurer, may also be involved. Which one applies — and in what order — depends on your policy and your state.

For a prescription, the basic path is familiar: your doctor writes it and sends it to a pharmacy. The difference is that the pharmacy may need your auto insurance claim details to know how to bill it. If your prescription goes to a pharmacy that delivers, medication is delivered to your door.

Coverage depends on your policy and state — ask your insurer, not us. We can explain the general process, but only your insurer can tell you what your policy covers.

Auto-accident prescriptions often start at an emergency room or urgent care, then continue with a primary care doctor, a specialist or a chiropractor's medical colleague. Each prescriber can choose where to send a prescription, so it's worth mentioning delivery to each of them.

• PIP and other coverage vary by policy and state
• Your doctor sends the prescription to a pharmacy
• The pharmacy may need your auto claim details
• Your insurer decides what is covered

Questions to ask

Ask your doctor whether your prescription can be sent to our partner pharmacy, or to another pharmacy that delivers. Then contact your auto insurer to understand how prescriptions are handled under your claim.

If you have an attorney handling your accident claim, they may also want to know where your prescriptions are being filled.

• Doctor: Can my prescription go to a pharmacy that delivers?
• Insurer: Does my policy include PIP or medical payments coverage?
• Insurer: Are prescriptions covered, and how are they billed?
• Insurer: What claim details should I give the pharmacy?
• Pharmacist: What do you need from me to process this?

What to have ready

Have your auto insurance claim details ready before your doctor sends the prescription. If you were treated at an emergency room or urgent care, keep the paperwork, since it often includes the date and details of the accident.

Make sure your doctor's office has a current address and phone number, especially if you're staying somewhere else while you recover.

• Auto insurance company name and policy number
• Claim number for the accident
• Claims representative's name and phone number
• Date of the accident
• Your health insurance card, in case it's needed
• Current delivery address and phone number

About the Prescriptions.plus Home Delivery Program

Prescriptions.plus is an educational site, not a pharmacy or insurer. Through the Prescriptions.plus Home Delivery Program, doctors can send prescriptions to our licensed partner pharmacy, and medication is dispensed by our licensed partner pharmacy and delivered to the patient's door.

A $5 dispensing fee applies, and a delivery fee applies. Eligibility depends on the prescription, the doctor and the claim, so we can't promise any particular prescription will qualify or be covered.

Some medications, such as Schedule II controlled substances, may not be available by mail — your partner pharmacy will advise. The prescribing doctor decides refills.

If something goes wrong

If a prescription is held up, ask the pharmacy exactly what's missing, then call your insurer. Coverage questions after accidents can involve more than one insurer, so ask who is responsible for paying for prescriptions under your claim.

Some injuries from car accidents, such as concussions and internal injuries, can show up hours or days later. If you develop severe headache, confusion, chest or abdominal pain, numbness or weakness, get care right away. Medical emergency? Call 911.

If you have a reaction to a medication, call your doctor or pharmacist.