House Bill No. 34 aims to enhance transparency in the recovery of medical expenses within Louisiana's civil law framework. The bill amends and reenacts several sections of R.S. 9:2800.27, specifically addressing the definitions and limitations surrounding recoverable medical expenses. Notably, it removes the definitions of "contracted medical provider," "cost of procurement," and "health insurance issuer," while introducing a new definition for "cost sharing." The bill also repeals existing provisions that limit a claimant's recovery of medical expenses based on amounts paid by health insurance issuers or Medicare, and it eliminates the requirement that juries only be informed of the amount billed by medical providers.

Additionally, the proposed law allows for greater evidentiary flexibility in trials, permitting any party to introduce evidence of both the amount billed and the amount paid to establish the basis for medical expense awards. It also states that agreements between healthcare providers and third parties regarding the financing or collection of medical expenses, such as letters of protection, are admissible as evidence. The bill removes the previous exception for cases under the Louisiana Medical Malpractice Act, thereby applying the new provisions universally. The changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and will only apply to causes of action filed after that date.

Statutes affected:
HB34 Original:
HB34 Engrossed: 9:27(A), 9:27(E)