Most everyone has been affected, directly or indirectly, by the COVID-19 pandemic. The no-fault insurance industry is no exception. Attorneys, medical providers, insurers, claimants and others have all felt, to some extent or another, the devastating effects of the novel coronavirus. Following are some of the regulatory changes that affect the handling and litigation of no-fault claims during this pandemic.

Telemedicine for No-Fault Patients

The New York Worker’s Compensation Board adopted emergency regulations to permit the use of telemedicine in certain situations in order to maintain social distancing and prevent the further spread of the novel coronavirus. As the reimbursable fees for medical services in no-fault insurance claims are contained in the Workers’ Compensation Fee Schedule, these emergency regulations apply to no-fault claims. In fact, the New York Department of Financial Services published the following Health Insurance Frequently Asked Question concerning the COVID-19 coronavirus: