Lawmakers discuss medical bills

Legislation being considered in Helena would help poor people get health care and reduce losses hospitals feel from having to provide uncompensated care for people who can’t afford to pay for it.

Rep. Stephanie Hess, R-Havre, said a bill introduced in the House would compensate hospitals for the money they have to spend on health care for people who need it but can’t afford it. Hess spoke at the weekly video conference held at Havre Public Schools’ Robins Administration Building.

Northern Montana Hospital, for instance, pays more than $1 million annually on such cases.

Under the t...