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Bill Summary · HB 195

Legislative bill overview

HB 195 revises Montana's limits on noneconomic damages (pain, suffering, emotional distress) in medical malpractice lawsuits. The bill modifies how much patients can recover beyond direct economic losses like medical bills and lost wages. It became law on March 27, 2025.

Why is this important

Medical malpractice damage caps directly affect how much compensation injured patients receive and influence healthcare costs and insurance premiums. This change alters the balance between protecting patients' rights to full compensation and controlling healthcare liability expenses that providers pass to consumers.

Potential points of contention

  • Patient advocacy concerns: Caps on noneconomic damages may inadequately compensate severely injured patients for lifelong pain and reduced quality of life, particularly affecting those with catastrophic injuries
  • Healthcare cost implications: Supporters argue lower damage exposure reduces malpractice insurance premiums and defensive medicine costs, while critics contend evidence shows minimal savings pass to patients
  • Economic inequality: Fixed damage caps disproportionately impact lower-income patients since noneconomic damages represent a larger portion of their total compensation compared to high-earning individuals

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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