Indy Standard

State Representative Jim Pressel's legislation aiming to broaden access to mobile health care services in Indiana's rural areas has passed the Senate and is awaiting the governor's approval. The bill, known as House Bill 1051, seeks to extend mobile integrated health care grant funding beyond its current recipients—cities, towns, and townships—to include county-operated EMS providers and municipal hospitals.

Pressel highlighted the pressing need for this legislation, noting the significant distance many residents face in Indiana: "Nearly half of Indiana counties are considered EMS deserts where residents live at least 25 minutes away from an ambulance station." The proposed law is designed to bring essential health care services closer to these underserved regions.

The mobile integrated health care programs intended to be expanded through this bill offer a variety of medical services. These include chronic disease management, basic primary care, and additional support such as social work, substance abuse resources, and mental health services, often delivered directly to patients' homes.

Pressel emphasized the benefits of the bill, stating, "With this legislation, we are opening the door for more Hoosiers to receive the care they need."

House Bill 1051 is now pending the governor's decision. Additional information on the bill and the legislative process is available at iga.in.gov.