Health care providers and medical facilities; require to refund overpayments to patients within a specified time.

HB 961 requires Mississippi healthcare providers and facilities to automatically refund patients any overpayments within 60 days of determining the overpayment. An overpayment is defined as any amount paid by a patient that exceeds their final obligation after all insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid payments are finalized. Providers must issue refunds using the same payment method used by the patient (or by check/electronic transfer) and provide a written notice explaining the refund amount, reason, and determination date. Failure to comply may be enforced by the Mississippi Attorney General under consumer protection laws.