What does a “Letter of Protection” (LOP) mean?
If a medical provider asks for a Letter of Protection you should consult with an attorney immediately. In many instances people who do not have insurance coverage or their PIP benefits are exhausted are often asked to sign a LOP. This is a document that gives the patient the ability to keep treating without paying for the medical bills at the time of treatment. These Letters of Protection typically, if accepted by the facility or physician, allow the patient to keep treating and once a recovery is made, the doctor or healthcare facility is reimbursed. However, it is always made clear to the client that even with a letter of protection in their medical file they are ultimately responsible for the medical bills in the event the case does not resolve as expected.
