Indy Standard

Gov. Eric Holcomb ceremonially signed into law legislation authored by State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) aimed at preventing Hoosier patients from receiving surprise bills after out-of-network ambulance rides.

Barrett explained that individuals often receive large ambulance bills because the service provider was not covered by their insurance. He authored House Enrolled Act 1385 to mandate health insurance companies reimburse for ambulance services not included in a person's coverage plan.

"Ambulance services are critical to all Hoosiers but when insurance rejects a claim, patients are stuck with a huge balance," said Barrett, who serves as chair of the House Public Health Committee. "This legislation reflects our commitment to patients and health care transparency, and I'm proud to see the progress we've made to better protect Hoosiers when they need it most."

The new law also stipulates that out-of-network ambulance providers can receive payments from health insurance operators at locally set rates or at a capped rate based on Medicare benchmarks. Previously, there was no set time frame for an ambulance service to receive payment from health plan providers. Under this new law, service providers must be paid within 30 days of filing a claim.

For more information on House Enrolled Act 1385, visit iga.in.gov.

State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) represents House District 56, which includes portions of Wayne County.

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