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 cases. 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. The bill specifies that evidence of past medical expenses is limited to the amount actually paid, while evidence for future medical expenses can include various forms of health care coverage and reimbursement rates. Additionally, it clarifies that there is no obligation for any party to seek reductions in billed charges unless contractually entitled.

The amendments also emphasize that individual contracts between health care providers and insurers are not subject to discovery or admissible as evidence. The intent of these changes is to clarify existing law regarding the admissibility of evidence related to medical expenses in civil cases. The bill will take effect upon becoming law.

Statutes affected:
H 1553 Filed: 768.0427
H 1553 c1: 768.0427