(INDIANAPOLIS) - A bill authored by State Rep. Tony Isa of Angola aims to stop insurance red tape from delaying emergency medical care or payment for first responders.
House Bill 1370 would bar insurance companies from requiring prior authorization for ambulance services when patients need urgent or emergency care. The proposal covers both in-network and out-of-network providers and applies within 12 hours of a request. It also blocks prior authorization requirements for emergency services delivered in good faith within 24 hours.
Isa said the measure protects patients and emergency crews when minutes matter.
"Medical emergencies don't wait for insurance approval," Isa said. "This ensures patients aren't caught in the middle and emergency responders are paid fairly and promptly."
Supporters say prior authorization rules can slow care and create financial uncertainty for ambulance providers, especially in rural areas. The bill is intended to streamline claims and ensure coverage decisions don't interfere with emergency response.
House Bill 1370 has been assigned to the House Insurance Committee. If approved there, it would advance to the full House for consideration.