Michigan Medical Bill Rights

42 U.S.C. § 300gg-111 (No Surprises Act)

Federal law (effective January 1, 2022) prohibits surprise out-of-network bills for emergency services, air ambulance services, and most non-emergency services at in-network facilities. Patients owe no more than the in-network cost-share. Providers and insurers must resolve payment disputes through Independent Dispute Resolution, not by billing the patient.

MCL § 500.3300 et seq. (Surprise Medical Billing Act)

Michigan prohibits balance billing for emergency services and for non-emergency services at in-network facilities by out-of-network providers. The Department of Insurance and Financial Services administers dispute resolution.

26 U.S.C. § 501(r) (Nonprofit Hospital Financial Assistance Requirement)

Federal law requires every nonprofit (501(c)(3)) hospital to maintain a written Financial Assistance Policy, publicize it widely, and screen all uninsured/underinsured patients for eligibility before sending unpaid bills to collections. Patients eligible for assistance cannot be charged more than the Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients. Applies to roughly 3,000 nonprofit hospitals (about 58% of all US hospitals, 80% of beds).

15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq. (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act)

Federal law restricts how third-party debt collectors may contact consumers about medical or other debts. Consumers may demand written validation of any debt within 30 days of first contact; collectors must cease communication if requested in writing; harassment, deception, and unfair practices are prohibited.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 333.20201 (Patient Bill of Rights)

Michigan hospitals must provide patients with an itemized statement of charges and identify items used for the patient. Patients have a right to request an explanation of each charge.