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Bill

Bill

SB 3

Fiduciary duty in health plan administration.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Justin Busch and 6 co-sponsors

Indiana law now requires health plan administrators to fulfill fiduciary duties prioritizing participant interests over conflicts of interest in managing employee health benefits.

Signed by the Governor
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Bill Summary · SB 3

Legislative bill overview

SB 3 establishes fiduciary duty requirements for entities administering health plans in Indiana, requiring plan administrators to act in the best interest of plan participants and beneficiaries. The law defines standards of care, prohibited conflicts of interest, and accountability measures for health plan administrators managing employee and retiree health benefits.

Why is this important

Health plan administrators control significant assets and make decisions affecting millions of Hoosiers' healthcare access and costs. Codifying fiduciary duties creates legal accountability mechanisms to prevent self-dealing, kickbacks, and administrative practices that prioritize profits over participant welfare—issues that have generated federal scrutiny and litigation in other states.

Potential points of contention

  • Compliance costs: Smaller plan administrators and employers may face increased administrative and legal expenses to ensure fiduciary compliance, potentially raising healthcare costs
  • Definition ambiguity: The specific scope of "best interest" standards and how they apply to cost-containment decisions versus access may create litigation and regulatory interpretation disputes
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Unclear whether Indiana will establish dedicated enforcement authority or rely on participant lawsuits, potentially limiting practical accountability for violations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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