Bill Addressing Surprise Medical Billing Advances To Senate

“Hoosiers should not be burdened with the possibility of a surprise and many times costly bill when seeking medical attention at an in-network provider.”

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - The House of Representatives are supporting a bill that aims to protect Hoosiers from surprise medical billing. 

Author of House Bill 1004, State Rep. Ben Smaltz’s (R-Auburn), says that surprise billing happens when a patient goes to an in-network health care provider, but is seen by an out-of-network physician. This causes the patient to receive a much larger medical bill than expected, not covered by insurance.

Smaltz gives an example of surgery. Although a surgeon is covered by insurance, but other medical providers like an anesthesiologist is out-of-network.

“Moving this proposed legislation across to the Senate is just another hurdle cleared as we try to protect Hoosiers from this unfair practice,” Smaltz said. “Hoosiers should not be burdened with the possibility of a surprise and many times costly bill when seeking medical attention at an in-network provider.”

Co-author, State Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne), explains that legislation would not allow health care providers to bill an in-network patient for amount exceeding in-network rates, normally covered by their insurance. Deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance amounts would still be paid by the patients.

Hoosiers could opt to receive services from out-of-network providers if they choose.

“Surprise billing is an issue that affects hundreds, if not thousands of Hoosiers each year,” said Carbaugh, chair of the House Insurance Committee. “When you look at some health insurance plans, the out-of-network benefits are certainly very different than the in-network benefits, which can be the difference of thousands of dollars. I look for this legislation to make a major impact on the lives of Hoosiers.”

This bill can now be considered by the Senate.