Committee backs PCS to limit inflated medical bills in personal‑injury trials; insurers and medical auditors oppose

TALLAHASSEE — The Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee voted to report favorably a committee substitute for HB 1553, legislation the sponsor said will limit presentation of inflated medical charges in personal‑injury and wrongful‑death trials and anchor damages to amounts actually paid or payable under insurance or government rates.

Representative Brackett, the sponsor, said the PCS aims to shorten litigation and align damage awards with real‑world costs rather than list prices that can be many times higher than what insurers or government payers actually reimburse. “Its core effect is to limit inflated medical bills and anchor damages to what medical care actually cost under insurance or government rates rather than what provider charges on paper,” the sponsor said.

Opponents included medical‑billing experts and industry groups. Ellen Koons, a certified medical auditor testifying on behalf of Associated Industries of Florida, said the existing statutory benchmarks (Medicare/Medicaid percentages and certain code‑based standards) provide useful, objective guidance and that rolling back those standards would reduce transparency and allow misleading charges into evidence. Several insurer trade associations and business groups also registered opposition.

Defense and plaintiffs’ bar witnesses disputed how courts have interpreted the 2023 statute and whether judicial clarification or legislative action is the better remedy. Wayland Thompson, representing the Florida Justice Association, said trial courts are currently split and that the PCS provides needed clarity.

Vote: The committee reported the PCS favorably (13 yays, 4 nays). The bill will move forward for further consideration; sponsors and opponents indicated willingness to negotiate statutory language to address concerns about access to underlying insurer data and jury transparency.

Outcome and next steps: The sponsor and several members stressed the need for timely resolution so victims receive quicker awards; opponents said the committee should preserve objective statutory benchmarks and guardrails for jury information.

Vote at a glance: PCS for HB 1553 reported favorably (13‑4).