Minnesota 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.

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.

Minnesota Department of Commerce — Insurance Complaints

You may file a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

Minn. Stat. § 144.586

Minnesota hospitals must provide each patient or responsible party an itemized statement of charges within 30 days of request. The statement must identify each service in plain language.

Minn. Stat. § 13C.001 (Debt Fairness Act of 2024)

Minnesota prohibits credit reporting agencies and furnishers from including medical debt on consumer credit reports. Effective October 1, 2024.