Most people assume no-fault automobile insurance only pays for hospital bills and doctor visits. It doesn’t. In many cases, Michigan no-fault benefits cover far more—sometimes in ways people don’t expect.
Key Takeaways
- • Michigan no-fault benefits may cover more than hospital bills and doctor visits.
- • Allowable expenses may include services, accommodations, and modifications reasonably necessary for care, recovery, or rehabilitation.
- • Covered expenses may include attendant care, nurse case management, guardian or conservator services, home modifications, and vehicle modifications.
- • Insurance companies may challenge whether an expense is reasonably necessary.
- • The specific benefits available depend on the injured person’s individual care, recovery, and rehabilitation needs.
What Are Allowable Expenses Under Michigan No-Fault Law?
Under Michigan law, these costs are called “allowable expenses.” In plain terms, that means anything reasonably necessary for your care, recovery, or rehabilitation. (MCL 500.3107(1)(a)). That includes more than just traditional medical treatment. For example:
- • Attendant care: Help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, medication, or mobility—often provided by family members or professionals
- • Nurse case management: A nurse who coordinates your care and helps navigate treatment and insurance issues
- • Guardian or conservator services: Assistance managing medical or financial decisions when injuries make that difficult
- • Home modifications. Changes to your home—like ramps, widened doorways, or accessible bathrooms—to accommodate your injuries.
- • Vehicle (van) modifications. Modifications to your vehicle/van that allow you to travel safely and maintain independence.
A Real-World Example of an Allowable Expense
Sometimes, allowable expenses include creative solutions. In one case, a client who was paralyzed and wheelchair bound faced a difficult daily challenge. Catheter care required an elaborate process of lying down while an aide performed the procedure. The solution was surprisingly simple: modifying jeans with a Velcro inseam. That change allowed the client to self-catheterize and transformed a time-consuming, dependent process into something far more manageable and independent. The insurance company paid for those jeans—because they were reasonably necessary for the client’s care.
You May Be Covered for More Than You Think
The takeaway: if something is truly necessary for your recovery, it may be covered—even if it doesn’t look like traditional “medical treatment.” Of course, there are limits. You still have to show the expense is reasonably necessary for your care, recovery and rehabilitation—and insurance companies often push back. But many people don’t realize how broad these benefits can be. If you’ve been injured and aren’t sure what’s covered, it’s worth asking. You may be entitled to more than you think.
About the Author
Amanda L. Winagar is a partner at Miller, Tischler & Vislosky, P.C. Since 2015, she has represented injured individuals in complex Michigan personal injury, insurance, and No-Fault matters. Amanda has successfully litigated cases involving catastrophic injuries, medical providers, and insurance coverage disputes, and is committed to helping clients navigate challenging legal issues with skill and compassion.
