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 after the first bill is sent before any extraordinary collection actions can be initiated. Additionally, it mandates that patients receive a notice at least 30 days prior to any such actions, detailing the specific collection measures that will be taken. The bill also prohibits collection actions during a declared state of emergency and while an appeal regarding health insurance decisions is pending. Furthermore, it provides patients with a $3,000 exemption from the execution of their bank accounts and other assets in relation to medical debt.

The bill amends Section 25-13-609 of the Montana Code Annotated to include protections for patients' interests in their property concerning medical debt. It defines various terms related to health care services and collection actions, including "extraordinary collection action" and "prohibited collection action." Notably, the bill clarifies that a patient's debt becomes void and unenforceable if collection actions are willfully violated. 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