LANSING, MI (AP)-- A legislative panel has quickly approved changes to Michigan's auto insurance law with the goal of curtailing fraud and the cost of care for people catastrophically injured in crashes.
The Senate Insurance Committee voted 5-3 Wednesday to send legislation to the Republican-controlled Senate, which may vote Thursday.
Supporters including the auto insurance industry say the bills would relieve insurers of liabilities in the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association but ensure patients still receive unlimited care. Opponents including hospitals say the vote was rushed before the legislation could be reviewed.
Michigan's the only state offering unlimited medical benefits for catastrophic injuries and rehabilitation.
Auto insurers are charged more than other insurers to cover medical services. The legislation would create a fee schedule in the no-fault system similar to workers' compensation injuries.