Indy Standard

Area legislators in Hendricks County are urging residents to utilize a new state website designed to compare health care prices and quality. This initiative follows the 2020 legislation that established the Indiana All Payer Claims Database (APCD), managed by the Indiana Department of Insurance, aiming to enhance transparency in health care costs.

"The database provides Hoosiers with a clearer picture of expected costs for routine medical procedures," stated State Representative Greg Steuerwald. He emphasized that this tool is a significant step toward reducing health care expenses and increasing transparency.

State Representative Jeff Thompson highlighted that the APCD allows users to search what others have paid for common procedures across various regions, providers, and insurance plans. The database also includes information on nearby health care providers based on zip code, average out-of-pocket costs, and facility quality ratings. "Hoosiers deserve to know how much they will owe for a procedure and be able to look at different options before receiving treatment," Thompson noted.

According to State Representative Craig Haggard, the database aims to inform those seeking medical care, identify state health care needs, support policy development, and improve the quality and affordability of health care in Indiana. "With this online resource, we're providing Hoosiers a simple and effective way to compare medical costs and services," Haggard said.

State Representative Becky Cash assured that the data collected complies with U.S. security standards outlined in HIPAA and other acts. Onpoint Health Data administers the APCD and is certified by HITRUST for meeting federal and state security requirements. "Patients deserve to have an idea of how much they will owe for a procedure before it happens," Cash remarked.

Residents can visit apcd.idoi.in.gov for more information or submit questions via email at apcd@idoi.in.gov.