Indiana patients struggling to afford their medical bills are in for some much-needed relief. Recently, Governor Mike Braun signed a healthcare transparency and fraud prevention bill into law with co-author State Rep. Tony Isa aimed at alleviating the strain of medical expenses.

Known as House Enrolled Act 1003, the law mandates that non-profit hospitals adhere to a new site of service billing standards and allows patients to make more educated choices when it comes to their health. Additionally, it requires laboratories and diagnostic imaging centers to publicly post their service prices. As a result, patients who receive care will get itemized bills with service codes allowing them to compare costs with other providers. To prevent surprise bills with unaffordable costs from being forced upon patients after they receive care – as so often happens – a stipulation in the law states that good faith cost estimates must be provided at least two business days before the scheduled service. 

What’s more, the law will closely investigate provider, insurer and billing fraud, relying on law enforcement officers from the state’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit to enforce the law.

All these changes are very popular with the public. Polling shows that an overwhelming 94 percent of Americans think it’s a good idea to legally require healthcare entities like hospitals, insurance providers and doctors to disclose their prices in an easily accessible place. Indiana is taking tremendous steps in the right direction to meet the needs and desires of the majority of Americans on this issue.

We hope other states will follow Gov. Braun’s lead in prioritizing healthcare price transparency. For now, Solidarity HealthShare is committed to price transparency for its patients. Clear, up-front pricing is one of the many reasons why Members are able to enjoy lower healthcare costs under our program.

To learn more about how you can join the Solidarity community, give us a call today at 737-SHARING.