STATEHOUSE (Feb. 4, 2025) – State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) recently authored House Bill 1003, a proposal aimed at increasing health care transparency, reducing costs and empowering patients across Indiana.
“House Bill 1003 is a vital step toward reducing health care costs,” Barrett said. “This legislation will address a wide range of issues, from pricing transparency and timely medical billing to free and enhanced access to medical records, ensuring that Hoosiers have access to the information and resources they need to make informed choices about their care.”
A key aspect of the bill would ensure that patients are accurately billed according to the site where they received medical services. This site-neutrality measure aims to eliminate discrepancies in billing practices and prevent patients from being charged higher rates for services provided in outpatient settings versus hospital facilities.
The bill also promotes greater transparency in health care by requiring hospitals and clinical laboratories to post service prices online, helping patients compare costs and make informed decisions. Additionally, it strengthens policies to ensure health provider contracts are clear and accessible to consumers.
“Ensuring that patients can easily understand the cost of their health care options and have access to the information necessary for making decisions is crucial,” Barrett said. “This bill would promote a more accountable and patient-focused health care system.”
To address concerns about timely medical billing, the legislation would require health care providers to initiate billing within 45 days of service. It would also mandate that patients receive good faith estimates of expected health care costs in an expedited manner, giving them a clearer understanding of their financial responsibilities before treatment.
Barrett said this legislation would further expand access to investigational treatments for patients with life-threatening conditions under Indiana’s right-to-try laws. Additionally, it includes measures to reduce prescription drug costs, capping out-of-network service charges when provided at an in-network facility and enhancing access to electronic health records at no cost to patients.
The bill would strengthen the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit’s (MFCU) ability to investigate cases of Medicaid fraud, including provider and insurer fraud, as well as duplicate billing. It would also grant the Indiana Attorney General the authority to enter into data-sharing agreements with state agencies to enhance fraud detection and prevention. Additionally, House Bill 1003 designates MFCU investigators as law enforcement officers to improve enforcement efforts.
Barrett encourages all constituents to share their thoughts and input on this legislation by visiting his website at in.gov/h56 or calling 317-232-9695.
House Bill 1003 passed the House Insurance Committee and now moves to the House for further consideration. For more information, or to watch session and committee meetings live, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) represents House District 56,
which includes Wayne County and portions of Henry County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
