MO SB878

Allows ambulance service providers to submit claims for unpaid healthcare services (minimum $50) that have not been paid for more than 90 days to a claim clearinghouse for debt setoff against patient income tax refunds and lottery prize payouts.

Patients must receive written notice before a claim is submitted and have 30 days to request a review with the provider; review officers and appeals committees can invalidate claims, with their decisions being final and binding on providers.

Collection assistance fees of $7 per debt setoff plus $17 per claim processed by the clearinghouse are recovered from each eligible claim and paid to the Department of Revenue.

Tax refunds and lottery payouts are subject to setoff in the following priority order: delinquent state taxes, child support obligations, state agency debts, collection assistance fees, and eligible healthcare claims.

Patients can request a hearing within 30 days of setoff notification to contest the claim; the Department of Revenue must conduct evidentiary hearings if required and follow Chapter 536 procedures for appeals.