EFCE890ABFB9AE3C872583E80012A3F9 Hearing Summary

Representative Snyder, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 19-217, concerning healthcare provider liens related to charges for medical care provided to a person injured as a result of the negligence or wrongful acts of another person. Representative Snyder explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Discussion ensued regarding certain information that is undiscoverable under the bill, and the history of the medical lien industry. Discussion followed regarding transparency in medical billing.

The following persons testified regarding SB 19-217:

Ms. Natalie Brown, Coloradans for Healthcare Access, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the population that cannot afford insurance who need healthcare, and the role of medical liens. Ms. Brown discussed certain language introduced to the bill at the behest of the Attorney General. Ms. Brown discussed the thoughts of Mr. Geoff Blue on the bill. Ms. Brown responded to questions.

Mr. Patrick Boyle, representing the American Property and Casualty Insurance Association, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Jeff Ruebel, representing the Colorado Civil Justice League and the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association, testified in opposition to the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the role of medical lien companies, and limitations on discovery of certain information in court by the bill. Mr. Boyle responded to questions regarding the marketplace for those who do not have the immediate resources to pay for medical treatment, and certain language in the bill concerning fee recovery. Discussion followed regarding the stakeholder process on the bill. Discussion returned to the marketplace for those without immediate means who need medical care.

Mr. Rich Sokol, representing Personicare Healthcare Network, testified in support of SB 19-217. Mr. Sokol discussed the role of medical lien companies, and addressed issues raised during earlier discussion.

Mr. Royal Washington, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Washington discussed his use of the services of a medical lien company.

Mr. Matt Holycross, representing Injury Finance, testified in support of the bill. He explained how the bill protects consumers and reduces the impacts of litigation. Discussion ensued regarding the history of the practice of offering medical liens, and the reasoning behind shielding juries from certain information. Mr. Holycross responded to questions regarding legal opinions on medical liens.

The committee considered amendments L.048 (Attachment J) and L.049 (Attachment K).

The committee discussed amendment L.050 (Attachment L).

The committee considered amendment L.051 (Attachment M).

The committee considered amendment L.054 (Attachment N).

The committee considered amendment L.055 (Attachment O).

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order.

The committee continued to discuss the merits of amendment L.055, along with a Representative McKean conceptual amendment to that amendment.

Representative Snyder provided closing remarks in support of SB 19-217. The committee discussed the merits of the bill.