Health care is on the table this legislative session, with Indiana lawmakers proposing bold measures that could redefine access to affordable care, hospital transparency and Medicaid for Hoosiers.
For low-income families and minority communities, these decisions will shape the future of their health care.
This article breaks down five impactful health care bills making their way through the Indiana Statehouse in 2025. From controlling prescription drug costs to expanding nurse-led care in underserved areas, these proposals could bring critical changes to the way low-income residents access and afford health services.
House Bill 1003: Health matters
House Bill 1003 addresses various aspects of health care, including Medicaid fraud, prescription drug pricing and billing transparency. Key provisions include:
- Medicaid fraud control: The bill specifies that the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit’s investigations may encompass provider fraud, aiming to ensure that Medicaid funds are used appropriately.
- 340B drug pricing regulation: It prohibits 340B covered entities from charging individuals more for prescription drugs than the acquisition cost under the program, potentially reducing medication expenses for low-income patients.
- Billing transparency: The legislation sets requirements for the submission of health care service bills and mandates that nonprofit hospital systems report facilities authorized to bill on institutional provider forms, enhancing transparency in health care costs.
For low-income Hoosiers, this bill could lead to more affordable prescription medications and clearer understanding of medical billing, reducing unexpected health care expenses.
House Bill 1004: Nonprofit hospitals
House Bill 1004 focuses on the financial practices of nonprofit hospitals, aiming to regulate their pricing structures. Key components include:
- Health care costs oversight board: The bill proposes the establishment of a board to oversee health care costs, ensuring that nonprofit hospitals maintain fair pricing.
- Penalties for excessive charges: Nonprofit hospitals that charge above a specified percentage of national averages could face penalties, encouraging more reasonable pricing for services.
This legislation aims to make hospital services affordable for low-income residents by discouraging overcharging practices.
Senate Bill 447: Advanced practice registered nurses
Senate Bill 447 proposes changes to the licensure and practice scope of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in Indiana. Key details include:
- Licensure requirements: The bill establishes licensing criteria for APRNs, ensuring standardized qualifications across the state.
- Scope of practice: It aims to define and potentially expand the range of services APRNs can provide independently, which could increase access to health care, especially in underserved areas.
For low-income and minority communities, this could mean improved access to primary and specialized care, reducing wait times and improving health outcomes.
Senate Bill 2: Medicaid eligibility verification
Senate Bill 2 addresses the processes surrounding Medicaid eligibility and hospital presumptive eligibility determinations. Key aspects include:
- Regular eligibility reviews: The bill mandates that the Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services conduct regular reviews of data from federal and state agencies to verify Medicaid recipients’ continued eligibility.
- Hospital performance standards: It establishes standards for hospitals making presumptive eligibility determinations with potential corrective actions for those not meeting the criteria.
While aiming to ensure proper allocation of resources, this bill could result in more frequent eligibility checks for Medicaid recipients, requiring low-income individuals to regularly update their information to maintain benefits.
House Bill 1531: Various immigration matters
House Bill 1531 focuses on immigration enforcement and its intersection with public benefits. Key provisions include:
- Clarification of enforcement authority: The bill clarifies that federal immigration laws may be enforced by federal, state or local law enforcement agencies.
- Removal of mens rea requirement: It removes the requirement of intent (“mens rea”) for certain immigration-related offenses, potentially broadening the scope of actions considered unlawful.
This bill could have significant implications for immigrant communities in Indiana. The increased enforcement measures may deter eligible individuals from applying for Medicaid or other public benefits, potentially reducing access to necessary health care services among low-income immigrants.
To stay informed about these bills and their progress, visit the Indiana General Assembly’s official website at iga.in.gov.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
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Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
