House Bill No. by Representative Melerine amends R.S. 9:2800.27 regarding recoverable medical expenses, specifically addressing the adjustment and payment of these expenses from collateral sources. The bill modifies the recovery limits for claimants whose medical expenses have been partially or fully covered by health insurance or Medicare. It allows claimants to recover up to thirty percent of the difference between the billed amount and the amount actually paid to the medical provider, while also ensuring that the amounts paid by health insurance or Medicare are discoverable for calculating this difference. Additionally, the bill stipulates that juries will only be informed of the amount billed by medical providers, without disclosing any payments made by third parties.

The bill also repeals certain provisions related to jury trials and the disclosure of payments made for medical expenses. It clarifies that in cases where the recovery of past medical expenses is limited to amounts paid or owed to medical providers, juries will not be informed of any payments made by health insurance or Medicare. Furthermore, the bill specifies that it does not apply to benefits received through medical payments coverage from auto insurance policies. The changes outlined in this bill will take effect for any cause of action occurring after January 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
HB423 Original: 9:27(B)
HB423 Engrossed: 9:27(B), 9:27(G)
HB423 Reengrossed: 9:27(B), 9:27(G)
HB423 Enrolled: 9:27(B)