The bill amends R.S. 9:2800.27 to clarify the recoverable medical expenses in civil actions, particularly in cases where medical expenses have been paid by health insurance or Medicare. It establishes that a claimant's recovery is limited to the actual amounts paid to contracted medical providers, along with any cost-sharing amounts owed by the claimant, rather than the amounts billed. The bill also introduces new definitions, such as "contracted medical provider" and "cost sharing," while removing the previous definition of "cost of procurement." Additionally, it specifies that in trials for recovering past medical expenses, the trier of fact must be informed of both the billed amounts and the amounts actually paid.

Furthermore, the bill outlines that if an attorney has a pre-negotiated agreement with a medical provider for a reduced payment, the claimant's recovery will be limited to that agreed amount. It also clarifies that the provisions do not apply to certain cases under specific Louisiana statutes or to benefits received through automobile liability insurance with medical payments coverage. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and will only apply to causes of action filed after that date.

Statutes affected:
SB231 Original:
SB231 Engrossed:
SB231 Reengrossed:
SB231 Enrolled:
SB231 Act :