Mixed testimony on cumulative health care bill
A wide-ranging bill aimed at lowering health care costs for Hoosiers received mixed reviews in the committee on Tuesday, from provisions penalizing hospitals for high prices to curtailing the use of non-compete agreements.
Rep. Donna Schaibley, R-Carmel, introduced the measure’s components before the House Public Health Committee, although the panel agreed to hear testimony this week and amend the bill next week before a vote.
She said the bill, along with a companion piece of legislation that will be heard on Wednesday, is the result of a lack of action on the part of health care entities and insurers to lower prices.
“Indiana has a highly concentrated market with a high number of physician groups being employed by hospital systems,” Schaibley said. “This is something that is much needed in Indiana.”
Financing expensive hospitals
Hospitals whose cost of service is more than 260% of the federal Medicaid reimbursement rate would