SF 2079

as introduced - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to human services; authorizing certain
hospitals to bill a county of residence for services
provided to a resident of that county; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 256.969, by adding a
subdivision.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 256.969, is
amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 9c. new text end

new text begin County billing. new text end

new text begin Minnesota hospitals that have
a disproportionate population adjustment greater than ten
percent shall be eligible for a special payment for
uncompensated care. These hospitals may bill a county for
services provided to a resident of that county provided that:
new text end

new text begin (1) the patient is a resident of a county other than the
county in which the hospital is located. For purposes of this
section, residence is defined in section 256G.02, subdivision 8;
and
new text end

new text begin (2) the patient was uninsured at the time of service.
new text end

new text begin Counties that are billed under this program must pay
eligible hospitals at the rates established under the medical
assistance program. For purposes of prompt payment, section
471.425, subdivisions 2 and 4, shall apply. In the event of
nonpayment, the hospital shall have a cause of action against
the county and shall be entitled to collection expenses
incurred, including attorney fees. It is intended that the
county of residence shall be the payer of last resort. If
third-party payments are received by a participating hospital
for services rendered after payment has been made by the county
of residence, then the participating hospital shall reimburse
the county of residence for payments made to the hospital for
covered services at the rates originally paid by the county of
residence.
new text end