Lowering health care costs and introducing more market-driven influences into the health care space has been a priority for Senate Republicans for years.
This year was no different, as colleagues and I worked to pass more laws to make health care more accessible and affordable for Hoosiers. Recently, we celebrated the passage of some of these bills when I joined fellow legislators and the governor as he ceremonially signed some of these bills into law.
As your senator representing Senate District 26, I am proud to say we have made real progress and taken major steps toward improving health care in the state of Indiana.
Senate Enrolled Act 480, which I co-authored, reins in burdensome prior authorization practices by insurance companies that slow down and block necessary care for patients, putting the patient back at the center of the care.
Senate Enrolled Act 2, a Senate Republican priority bill, works to get Medicaid spending under control by creating a more fiscally responsible program and ensuring only those who qualify for the program benefit from it. This will help preserve the program for those who truly need it.
Additionally, Senate Enrolled Act 475 protects Hoosiers' choice in doctors by preventing hospitals and other health care employers from requiring noncompete agreements that limit when and where doctors can practice.
Health care across the state and country can often cause significant debt and financial burden for patients. Senate Enrolled Act 3, another Senate Republican priority bill, requires health plan intermediaries like pharmacy benefit managers and third-party administrations to act in the best financial interest of their clients - the employers who sponsor health insurance for Hoosier workers.
House Enrolled Acts 1003 and 1604 address various transparency and payment issues Hoosiers face in receiving health care services, and House Enrolled Act 1004 lowers health care costs by creating a tool to remove the tax-exempt status from nonprofit hospitals for one year if they fail to provide an adequate community benefit.
We have continuously heard from Hoosiers across the state that the price to obtain sometimes life-saving medication has become increasingly difficult to pay. Senate Enrolled Act 118 requires hospitals participating in the 340B Drug Pricing Program to report detailed financial information to the Indiana Department of Health about their drug purchases and uses of any savings from participating in the program.
It is important those who provide essential health care and insurance to Hoosiers are upfront about their costs and practices. Senate Enrolled Act 140 increases transparency and accountability for pharmacy benefit administrators. In addition, House Enrolled Act 1666 requires health care providers and health insurance companies to annually report their ownership information to the state.
Though we have made significant progress this year in improving health care access, affordability and transparency in Indiana, I believe there is definitely more work to do. I understand the importance of this issue for Hoosiers, and I know there are many who are struggling.
To the people of Senate District 26, I thank you for continuing to reach out to me and my office to express your concerns. Your personal stories and struggles drive what we do here at the Statehouse. I promise to keep fighting to keep health care accessible and affordable for every Hoosier.
You can get in touch with me by visiting IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Alexander and clicking "Contact Me," or by calling my office at (317) 232-9984.
