State Representative Tony Isa (R-Angola) has introduced legislation aimed at addressing delays in emergency medical care for residents in Indiana. The proposed House Bill 1370 seeks to eliminate insurance-related barriers that could hinder timely access to ambulance services during critical moments. If passed, the bill would prohibit insurance companies from requiring prior authorization for ambulance services within a 12-hour window after a service request is made.
The legislation is designed to ensure that individuals facing emergencies can receive immediate care without the complications of insurance bureaucracy. “Hoosiers deserve certainty that when they call for help, their care will be covered and not tangled in red tape,” Isa stated. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that emergencies do not allow time for insurance approvals.
House Bill 1370 aims to alleviate the financial burden on both patients and emergency service providers. The measure will facilitate prompt reimbursement for responders while protecting patients from potential financial distress. Notably, ambulance services provided by nonparticipating providers will also be exempt from prior authorization requirements, streamlining the process for urgent care.
Expanding Protections for Emergency Services
In addition to the provisions for ambulance services, the legislation seeks to address prior authorization requirements for any urgent or emergency services delivered in good faith within 24 hours of the incident. This is in response to ongoing concerns regarding the complex health insurance claims process, which can delay the delivery of critical services and impede timely payments to service providers.
Isa’s proposal is part of a broader initiative to reform the healthcare system, ensuring it becomes more responsive to the immediate needs of patients. “Medical emergencies do not wait for insurance approval, and this legislation ensures emergency responders are reimbursed fairly and promptly while patients are not left navigating financial hardship,” he added.
Currently, House Bill 1370 is under review by the House Insurance Committee. If the committee approves the bill, it will be forwarded to the full House of Representatives for further consideration. For those interested in tracking the bill’s progress, additional information is available on the Indiana House Republicans website.
As healthcare continues to evolve, measures like House Bill 1370 highlight the urgent need for legislative actions that prioritize patient care and streamline processes in critical situations.
