HANCOCK -- For the past 38 years, Michigan has been a no-fault auto insurance state and under this current law, all wage loss for the first three years of an accident and medical expenses are covered under Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
Under House Bill 4936, drivers will no longer have lifetime and full medical coverage; instead they will be able to choose different levels of coverage which range from $500,000 to $5 million.
"The unlimited medical is unique in the country. There's no other state that has it. In fact most states just have $50,000 limits and so on, but it's been a real boom to people who got hurt," said State Farm agent, Michael Lahti.
Proponents say the current no-fault auto insurance is too costly, and it may not be sustainable, especially in the long-term.
Lahti says that people who are currently receiving benefits because of an accident will not be affected. It will only impact drivers that are injured after the legislation is passed.
Opponents say this bill will limit coverage to those who might need it, and it won't require insurance companies to lower their premiums. They also say it would raise the overall cost of auto insurance and leave patients with a much higher medical bill.
Twenty-three years ago, Diane Kitchen's daughter was hit by a car while exiting a school bus and says if this proposed bill is passed, it will affect everyone.
"They will restrict what they will pay when you are injured; the medical professionals and the scale they will be using will force many hospitals and trauma centers to close in the state of Michigan," said Kitchen.
Diane also says taking away the people's right to vote on this bill should be a concern for every citizen of Michigan.
This bill is currently in the House and may be voted on within the next couple of weeks.
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