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Bill

Bill

SB 189

Nonparticipating providers.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Baldwin and 9 co-sponsors

SB 189 establishes Indiana regulations for nonparticipating healthcare provider billing practices and insurance interactions to increase cost transparency and patient financial protections.

Signed by the Governor
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Bill Summary · SB 189

Legislative bill overview

SB 189 addresses regulations governing healthcare providers who do not participate in insurance networks (nonparticipating providers). The bill establishes rules for how these providers can bill patients and interact with insurance companies. The measure passed the Indiana Senate unanimously after reconciling differences between chamber versions.

Why is this important

Nonparticipating provider billing practices directly affect patient out-of-pocket costs and financial transparency in healthcare. These regulations influence whether patients face surprise bills, how much they owe, and what information providers must disclose about costs upfront. The policy impacts both consumer protection and healthcare provider operations across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Balance between patient protection and provider flexibility: Stricter billing rules protect consumers from surprise charges but may limit providers' revenue collection options and business models
  • Insurance company negotiations: Rules governing how nonparticipating providers interact with insurers could favor one party over another, affecting claim processing and reimbursement rates
  • Implementation complexity: Healthcare billing systems are intricate; new regulations may create administrative burdens for smaller practices or require costly system updates

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

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