According to the case, Abby Allen and Walter Moore sought treatment at Clarian Hospital North (now IU Hospital North) and were billed at the “chargemaster” rate, which is more than the amount paid by insurance companies.
"Who goes into a hospital and does not think there is a price list?” asked Jon Laramore, attorney for IU Hospital.
On one side, you have Allen. Her lawyer said she was unfairly charged by IU Health just because she did not have insurance. Attorney Jerry Garau said Allen paid more than twice the bill of an insured patient.
"There is an obligation that if the price is not going to be disclosed then their is an obligation that the price be reasonable," said Garau.
The hospital's stance was there is a lot that goes into what they charge to keep people healthy. The hospital added, if you receive the service, you should pay your bill.
"Who goes into a hospital and thinks that after they are discharged they can sit down and figure out what a reasonable price would be for their care and pay it?" said Laramore.
Both sides took blunt questions from all five Indiana Supreme Court Justices.
"What is it you will gain if the contract were different?" asked Chief Justice Brent Dickson.
"Is not the gist of their claim, 'you are charging them unfair rates because you are negotiating these discounts with insurance providers?'" asked Justice Mark Massa. “If that is the case, what possible steps could you take to avoid this type of lawsuit?"
The Indiana Supreme Court’s decision is expected in the next four to six months.
