STATEHOUSE (April 8, 2025) – State Rep. Jim Pressel's (R-Rolling Prairie) legislation to expand mobile health care programs in rural communities passed the Senate and now heads to the governor's desk.
Nearly half of Indiana counties are considered EMS deserts where residents live at least 25 minutes away from an ambulance station. Pressel said House Bill 1051 would address this issue by extending mobile integrated health care grant funding to county-operated EMS providers and municipal hospitals. Under current law, only cities, towns and townships are eligible for these grants.
"Mobile integrated health care programs have been one of many solutions to bridge the gap in medical services for those living in rural communities," Pressel said. "With this legislation, we are opening the door for more Hoosiers to receive the care they need."
Mobile integrated health care is used by EMS providers to offer a wider range of medical services, such as chronic disease management and basic primary care to communities lacking providers. It can also include social work, substance abuse resources and mental health that's delivered to a patient's home or other location.
House Bill 1051 is now with the governor for consideration as a new law. To learn more and follow legislative proceedings, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) represents District 20,
which includes portions of LaPorte and Starke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
