AL HB221

Requires hospitals to seek compensation solely from an injured person's health insurance provider, except for approved copayments and deductibles, unless certain circumstances apply.

Hospitals may perfect a lien only after submitting an accurate and properly coded claim to the health care payor and receiving notice of denial or non-payment within 45 days of submission.

Hospitals may perfect a lien within 20 days after discharge for uninsured patients, those with governmental coverage (Medicare/Medicaid), or those with non-primary coverage policies.

Liens must be filed with the probate court of the county where the hospital is located, with a $1 filing fee, and copies must be mailed to liable parties and the patient within one day of filing.

Voids any contractual provisions between health care payors and hospitals that require hospitals to file liens or act in contravention of this act, except for provisions regarding Medicare, Medicaid, or ERISA plans; effective the first day of the third month following passage.