CPAN advocates for Michigan's most vulnerable auto crash survivors—those who have suffered catastrophic, life-altering injuries. When survivors need care the most, we fight to ensure they receive the treatment they paid for through their insurance premiums.
The Promise Michigan Made
When Michigan adopted its no-fault auto insurance system in 1972, the state made a promise: in exchange for giving up the right to sue at-fault drivers, crash survivors would receive guaranteed lifetime medical coverage for their injuries. This promise was especially crucial for catastrophic injuries like brain and spinal cord damage, which often require decades of specialized care.
CPAN has been protecting Michigan's Auto Insurance Promise and fighting for auto accident survivors' right to recover for nearly two decades.
The 2019 Attack on Survivors
The 2019 auto insurance reforms included devastating cuts that directly targeted catastrophic crash survivors:
45% Provider Reimbursement Cuts: Medical providers treating catastrophic injuries saw their reimbursements slashed by 45%, forcing many to stop accepting auto insurance patients or close their doors entirely.
Family Care Restrictions: New limitations were placed on survivors' ability to receive reimbursement for in-home attendant care services provided by family members, stripping away both care options and dignity.
Retroactive Application: Perhaps most cruelly, these cuts were applied retroactively to survivors who purchased their policies and suffered their injuries years before the law changed—breaking the promise made to them when they bought their coverage.
The Devastating Results
According to a recent report from the nonprofit health organization MPHI, as of October 20, 2021, 1,548 no-fault patients have been discharged by their previous providers and 3,049 Michigan jobs have been eliminated since the 45% cut went into effect in July 2021. The report also found:
140 organizations significantly reduced services
96 organizations can no longer accept new patients with no-fault insurance funding
21 organizations ceased operating completely
The 45% cut in catastrophic care passed as part of auto insurance reform has proved to be devastating—and in some cases, deadly—for survivors of serious vehicle crashes.
CPAN's Fight Back
The Andary Lawsuit: CPAN has been instrumental in supporting the landmark Andary v USAA case, fighting against provisions that limit survivors' rights to receive reimbursement for in-home care and that drastically reduce medical provider reimbursements. We've been granted amicus curiae status and continue to advocate for survivors' constitutional rights.
Legislative Advocacy: We work tirelessly in the Michigan Legislature to restore proper funding for catastrophic care and reverse the harmful cuts that have devastated the post-acute care system.
Public Education: Through our advocacy campaigns, we ensure Michigan residents understand that those injured from motor vehicle crashes have access to quality medical and rehabilitation care and protection from economic hardship, financial ruin, and diminished quality of life from such injuries.
Legal Challenges: We submit amicus briefs in crucial court cases and challenge insurance companies when they deny legitimate claims from catastrophic survivors.