summary
Introduced
01/07/2026
01/07/2026
In Committee
01/15/2026
01/15/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to health care services jurisdiction and reimbursement; amending s. 48.193, F.S.; providing that health insurance, health maintenance organization coverage, health plan coverage, and travel insurance providers are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of this state under certain circumstances; defining the terms "emergency services" and "health care providers"; creating ss. 627.4423 and 641.1853, F.S.; providing legislative intent; providing definitions; prohibiting health care providers from collecting and attempting to collect from patients any sums owed by insurers and health maintenance organizations, respectively, for emergency services rendered; providing applicability; authorizing nonparticipating health care providers to pursue causes of action for quantum meruit for a specified purpose; providing construction; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill expands the jurisdiction of Florida courts over certain health insurance providers, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), health plan providers, and travel insurance providers, making them subject to lawsuits in Florida if they provide coverage to an employee living in the state or to a patient receiving emergency services from a Florida-licensed healthcare provider. Emergency services are defined as those necessary to prevent imminent risk to life or limb, including emergency medical conditions, and healthcare providers include licensed physicians, hospitals, urgent care centers, and ambulances. The bill also prohibits healthcare providers from billing patients for emergency services that are owed by their insurer or HMO, and allows non-participating healthcare providers (those without a contract with the insurer or HMO) to sue the insurer or HMO directly for the reasonable value of those emergency services through a legal action called quantum meruit, which means "as much as deserved." This aims to ensure patients are not burdened with the cost of emergency care when their insurance or HMO should be responsible.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Now in Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee (on 01/15/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1185 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1185/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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