House passes bill clarifying billing for county inmates' medical care
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Summary
Senate Bill 152 sets a framework for counties and hospitals to address medical billing for inmates brought to hospitals while in custody; sponsors clarified it does not apply to state prisoners and that preexisting conditions were excluded on the Senate side. The House passed SB 152 as amended 56–8.
Representative Holliday presented Senate Bill 152 and described it as a response to hospitals left with unpaid bills after treating county detainees brought to hospitals in custody. The bill creates a process for counties to be responsible for certain in‑custody medical expenses and allows hospitals to seek appropriate reimbursement, including Medicaid where applicable.
Key clarifications on the floor: the bill does not apply to state prisoners housed under contract in county jails and sponsors confirmed that preexisting conditions were excluded in Senate changes. Representatives asked whether coverage extends beyond release; the sponsor said it does not. Representatives and hospital representatives explained practical concerns about hospitals being left with inpatient bills when inmates are returned to custody.
The House adopted a minor amendment (word choice adjustments for line consistency) and recorded an intent language motion that would clarify physicians were intentionally omitted from SB 152, citing differences in Medicaid reimbursement rates for physicians versus hospitals. The House passed SB 152 as amended by a recorded vote of 56 yes and 8 no; the bill will be returned to the Senate for further action.
