STATEHOUSE (Feb. 27, 2025) – The Indiana House passed State Rep. Julie McGuire's (R-Indianapolis) legislation strengthening transparency and accountability in health care provider ownership to help protect patient care over profit.
A study by the Petris Center on Health Care Markets and Consumer Welfare at the School of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley found that a high concentration of Indiana's hospital, physician and insurance markets contributed to an almost 50% increase in health care costs between 2011 and 2020. That's compared to a 35% average increase in Illinois, Michigan and Ohio.
"There's abundant evidence showing that when health care providers consolidate in a market or private equity groups take ownership of them, prices increase and essential services decline," McGuire said. "Patients need to be able to trust that health care decisions are being made in their best interests rather than for financial gain."
Through House Bill 1666, hospitals, corporately owned physician groups and insurers would be required to disclose ownership details to specific state agencies. A newly created board would have approval authority when reviewing mergers and acquisitions involving health care entities.
McGuire said clear ownership knowledge makes it easier to find and address potential conflicts of interest such as financial incentives that could impact patient care, while hidden ownership structures can facilitate fraud, overbilling or other unethical practices.
"Ownership disclosures could make it easier to spot a brewing health care monopoly or concentration in a specific market," McGuire said. "Ensuring fair competition helps keep prices down and access to quality care available."
House Bill 1666 now goes to the Senate for consideration. Watch session and committees live, and view legislation at iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Julie McGuire (R-Indianapolis) represents House District 93,
which includes a portion of Marion County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
