STATEHOUSE (June 19, 2025) – State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) recently joined Gov. Mike Braun at the Statehouse for ceremonial bill signings to recognize efforts to lower health care costs and improve access to care for Hoosiers.
Barrett, a physician and longtime health care advocate, authored House Enrolled Act 1003, which reduces health care costs, increases transparency and empowers patients across Indiana. The legislation cracks down on overcharging for services by our state's largest non-profit hospital systems, helps prevent surprise fees and ensures Hoosiers receive clear information about their cost of care. HEA 1003 also strengthens Medicaid fraud enforcement, improves patient access to medical records, and gives patients more care options and access to investigational treatments.
"These reforms reflect the concerns I've heard directly from patients and providers and will assist in making a more accountable, patient-focused health care system,” Barrett said. “I'm proud to be a voice for Hoosiers and help them gain more control over their medical decisions and help reduce the cost of health care in our state.”
In addition to authoring HEA 1003, Barrett sponsored several Senate bills focused on improving oversight, accountability and patient protection within Indiana's health care system. Senate Enrolled Act 2 strengthens oversight of Indiana’s Medicaid program to prevent fraud and abuse. The legislation improves data sharing and accountability measures, helping ensure taxpayer dollars are used to support those who truly need assistance.
Senate Enrolled Act 118 targets misuse of the federal 340B drug discount program by requiring Indiana health care entities to disclose key financial details, including acquisition costs and use of funds. The law ensures that discounts intended to help low-income patients are not diverted to inflate hospital profits. Barrett said this will also direct the Indiana Department of Health to aggregate program data, report findings to lawmakers annually and enforce compliance with fines for non-reporting.
To reduce delays in patient care, Senate Enrolled Act 480 limits the overuse of prior authorization by insurance companies. The law requires insurers to justify denials, meet tighter response deadlines and clearly disclose their criteria and administrative processes.
“I’m grateful for the collaboration of my colleagues in both chambers who helped move these important reforms across the finish line,” Barrett said. “Whether it's cutting red tape, reducing inefficiencies or improving access to care, these policies are designed to improve our health care system to better serve Hoosiers."
All four bills received bipartisan support during the 2025 legislative session, which Barrett said reflects Indiana’s commitment to improving health outcomes while ensuring responsible use of public and private health care resources.
To learn more about HEA 1003, SEA 2, SEA 118 and SEA 480, click here.
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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.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) (front, right) joins Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (center, sitting), State Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne) (third from left), State Sen. Ed Charbonneau (R-Valparaiso) (front, left), State Sen. Tyler Johnson (R-Leo) (left, center) and State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) (right, center) for a ceremonial signing of his legislation to help reduce health care costs, increase transparency and empower patients across Indiana on June 18, 2025, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Other health care stakeholders were also in attendance.
