§ 2251. Lien established
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a hospital in Vermont, as defined in
section 1801 of this title, furnishing medical or other service, including charges of private duty nurses, to
a patient injured by reason of an accident not covered by the Workers’ Compensation
Act, 21 V.S.A. chapter 9, may file a lien upon any recovery for damages to be received
by the patient, or by the patient’s heirs or personal representatives in the case
of the patient’s death, whether by judgment or by settlement or compromise after the
date of the services.
(b)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, a hospital shall not have a lien under
this chapter if the patient has health insurance, including coverage under Medicare,
Medicaid, or a health plan issued by a health insurer, as defined in section 9402 of this title, and the patient, or the patient’s heirs or personal representatives in the case
of the patient’s death, provides the hospital with proof of health insurance not later
than 90 days after the patient’s discharge from or death at the hospital.
(2) Notwithstanding subdivision (1) of this subsection, a hospital may file a lien pursuant
to subsection (a) of this section for any amount owed to the hospital for the patient’s
deductible or coinsurance, or both, under the health insurance plan for the medical
or other services furnished by the hospital by filing notice of a lien at least 120
days after the hospital billed the patient’s health insurance plan for the amount
owed to the hospital for services furnished to the patient.
(3) The patient’s health insurance plan shall not deny payment for services furnished
by the hospital to the patient on the basis that some or all of the patient’s medical
costs may be covered by a property and casualty insurance plan, unless such denial
is required or expressly permitted by State or federal law.
(c)(1) A hospital that recovers under this chapter shall be responsible for a pro rata share
of the legal and administrative expenses incurred in obtaining the judgment, settlement,
or compromise.
(2) In no event shall the hospital lien exceed one-third of the net judgment, settlement,
or compromise received by the injured patient. (Added 1963, No. 209, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1963; amended 1981, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2023, No. 51, § 7, eff. January 1, 2024.)