Legislative round up:

The Montana Legislature debated two bills last week that would give patients more of an active role in determining the cost of their health care.

Senate Bill 100, introduced by Sen. Cary Smith, R-Billings, would allow patients the option of directly determining payment options with their doctor for day-to-day care without having to go through insurance.

“This bill provides for the opportunity for an individual to go and talk to a doctor and say, ‘for a specific amount you will cover my basic health care needs,” Smith said.

Smith introduced a similar bill last session that was ultim...