Medical bills after SB 68
Juries can now hear what was actually paid for medical care, not only what was billed.
Last updated: October 6, 2026
What changed
For medical expenses, the recovery is limited to the reasonable value of medically necessary care. The jury may consider both the amounts billed and the amounts actually paid or owed, including what a health insurer paid, whether or not the injured person had insurance.
If you treated under a letter of protection (the provider waits to be paid from the settlement), information about that arrangement can now be discovered by the defense, and in some cases shown to the jury.
Before SB 68, the jury usually heard only the $40,000 bill. For a crash on or after April 21, 2025, the defense can show the jury both numbers, and the jury decides the reasonable value of the care.
Illustration only, with made-up facts. Your case depends on its own facts.
Questions
Does this apply to my older crash?
Generally no. This change applies to claims that arose on or after April 21, 2025. Older claims follow the prior rules.
Should I still use my health insurance?
Usually yes. Using health insurance often reduces what is owed. Talk with your lawyer about liens and reimbursement.
Official sources
Look up each section in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (free public access). Laws change; always read the current text.
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