The bill amends section 768.0427 of the Florida Statutes, which pertains to the admissibility of evidence regarding medical expenses in personal injury and wrongful death actions. Key changes include the insertion of language that allows evidence to be offered to both prove and rebut the amount of damages for past and future medical treatment or services. The bill specifies that evidence of past medical expenses must reflect the amount actually paid, while evidence for future medical expenses can include various forms of health care coverage and reimbursement rates, particularly for those without insurance or covered by Medicare or Medicaid.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that there is no obligation for any party to seek reductions in billed charges unless contractually entitled, and it protects individual contracts between providers and insurers from being disclosed or admitted as evidence. The amendments are intended to clarify existing law and will take effect upon becoming law.

Statutes affected:
H 1553 Filed: 768.0427