House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to protect patients from aggressive collection actions related to medical debt by establishing new regulations for health care providers and collection agencies. The bill introduces a waiting period of 120 days before extraordinary collection actions can be initiated after a patient receives their first bill for health care services. Additionally, it mandates that patients be given a 30-day notice before any extraordinary collection action is taken. The bill also prohibits certain collection actions, such as wage garnishment and placing liens on bank accounts, and ensures that patients can appeal health insurance decisions before their debts are pursued.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 25-13-609 of the Montana Code Annotated to include a provision that protects a patient's interest in bank accounts and other assets, up to a value of $3,000, from being seized for medical debt. It also clarifies definitions related to health care services, medical debt, and collection actions, while ensuring that patients are informed about their rights and the potential costs associated with health care services. The provisions of this act will take effect for any collection actions on medical debt occurring on or after October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 25-13-609
HB0273_1(1): 25-13-609
HB0273_1(2): 25-13-609
HB0273_1(3): 25-13-609
HB0273_1(4): 25-13-609
HB0273_1(5): 25-13-609
HB0273_1(6): 25-13-609
HB0273_1(7): 25-13-609
HB0273_1: 25-13-609
HB0273_2(1): 25-13-609
HB0273_2(10): 25-13-609
HB0273_2(2): 25-13-609
HB0273_2(3): 25-13-609
HB0273_2(4): 25-13-609
HB0273_2(5): 25-13-609
HB0273_2(6): 25-13-609
HB0273_2(7): 25-13-609
HB0273_2(8): 25-13-609
HB0273_2(9): 25-13-609
HB0273_2: 25-13-609