7-32-2245. Payment of confinement and medical costs by inmate. - Montana Statutes

     7-32-2245. Payment of confinement and medical costs by inmate. (1) An inmate found by the sentencing court to have the ability to pay is liable for the costs, including actual medical costs, of the inmate's confinement in a detention center. The rate for confinement costs must be determined in accordance with 46-18-403. Confinement costs, other than actual medical costs, must be ordered by the court and must be paid in advance of confinement and prior to payment of any fine.
     (2) If an inmate requires medical treatment, the inmate is responsible for medical costs associated with:
     (a) preexisting conditions;
     (b) self-inflicted injuries while in custody;
     (c) injuries incurred while in custody if the injuries are not the result of negligent or intentionally torturous acts committed by the detention center administrator or a member of the administrator's staff;
     (d) injuries incurred during the commission of a crime or while unlawfully resisting arrest or attempting to avoid an arrest; and
     (e) any other injuries or illnesses that are not the responsibility of other entities as provided in 7-32-2224 and 7-32-2242(3).
     (3) (a) If an inmate is found to be able to pay for the inmate's medical costs, as provided in subsections (1) and (2), the health care provider who treats the inmate shall collect the cost of the treatment from the inmate or the detention center administrator may arrange with the health care provider to pursue reimbursement from a third-party payor for the services provided.
     (b) If the health care provider is unable to collect from the inmate or third-party payor within 120 days from the date of the service, the county is responsible for reimbursing the health care provider for the services at:
     (i) the medicaid reimbursement rate or at a rate that is 70% of the provider's customary charges, whichever is greater; or
     (ii) a negotiated rate.
     (c) If the health care provider is reimbursed by the inmate or the third-party payor after the provider has been reimbursed by the county, the provider shall refund to the county the amount that the provider had been paid by the county for the services provided to the inmate.
     (4) Inability to pay may not be a factor in providing necessary medical care for an inmate.
     (5) This section does not restrict an inmate's right to use a third-party payor.
     (6) If a city or town is the arresting agency and commits a person to the detention center of the county in which the city or town is located, the inmate is responsible for the inmate's medical expenses and the provisions of this section apply.

     History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 461, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 388, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 579, L. 2003.