If you received emergency care at John Muir Health and got a notice about this case, this is one you’ll want to understand, because you may be getting money back or a bill reduction automatically.
Why This Lawsuit Exists?
This class action claims that John Muir Health overcharged certain patients for a urine test performed in emergency departments.
Specifically, the lawsuit alleges that patients were charged for this test regardless of insurance status, including those with Kaiser insurance or no insurance, which may have resulted in higher out-of-pocket costs.
John Muir Health denies any wrongdoing, but agreed to settle for $696,266.39 to avoid the cost and uncertainty of continuing litigation.
Who Qualifies?
You may be included if all of these apply:
You received care at a John Muir Health emergency department
Your visit occurred between October 4, 2018 and December 31, 2022
Your visit included the urine test at issue
You had Kaiser insurance or no insurance at the time
You were held financially responsible beyond a flat fee deductible
According to records, 289 individuals meet these criteria and were notified directly.
There is also a smaller group (a “subclass”) of 63 people who received past-due billing notices on or after October 4, 2021.
How Much Can You Get?
Payments are not one-size-fits-all—they depend on your individual situation.
Here’s how it works:
Cash refund if you already paid
Account credit if you still owe money
Extra $750 credit if you’re part of the subclass (related to debt collection claims)
The settlement aims to put you back in the position you would have been in if the urine test had not been charged at all.
Total breakdown:
$59,483.22 → cash refunds
$636,783.17 → account credits
Your Options
| Option | What It Means | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Do Nothing | You’ll automatically receive your refund or credit and give up the right to sue separately | No action needed |
| Exclude Yourself | You won’t receive benefits but keep your right to sue | March 5, 2026 |
| Object | Stay in the case but tell the court you disagree with the settlement | March 5, 2026 |
Final Fairness Hearing: April 8, 2026 at 9 a.m.
How to File a Claim?
Good news: there is NO claim form required.
If you’re eligible, your payment or credit will be handled automatically using John Muir Health’s records.
The only thing you may want to do is to make sure your mailing address is up to date so you don’t miss a check.
Payments or credits are expected to be issued approximately 6 days after final approval, once any appeals are resolved.
