Changes to Law Governing the Value of Plaintiffs’ Medical Bills and the Collateral Source Rule

Since 2005, Missouri attorneys have grappled with the complexities of the collateral source rule, particularly regarding plaintiffs’ medical bills. This rule traditionally prevented defendants from introducing evidence of payments made by third parties, like insurance companies. However, a significant shift occurred with the passage of Senate Bill 31 in 2017, redefining how medical expenses are evaluated in court. This change aims to clarify the definition of “actual cost” for medical treatment, potentially altering strategies for both plaintiffs and defendants. Discover how this legislative update impacts the landscape of personal injury claims and trial outcomes in Missouri.