FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Paige Gehlhausen, Press Secretary
Paige.Gehlhausen@iga.in.gov
317-232-9425
Emily Mertz, Press Secretary Intern
Emily.Mertz@iga.in.gov
Johnson: Prior authorization bill passes committee
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 13, 2025) — A bill authored by state Sen. Tyler Johnson (R-Leo) that would place restrictions on when insurance companies can require prior authorization before covering a patient's care unanimously passed the Senate Committee on Appropriations Thursday, Feb. 13.
Senate Bill 480 would streamline and make more transparent prior authorization requirements and restrictions, define medically necessary care, and establish expedited response requirements for prior authorization requests. Finally, the bill would put in place a policy that an insurer cannot deny an out-of-network covered service for the sole reason that it is out-of-network.
"I have been advocating for changes to Indiana's prior authorization system for many years," Johnson said. "Prior authorization holds many patients back from getting the care they need. SB 480 would be a big step toward improving health care in Indiana by helping eliminate some of the roadblocks that restrict Hoosier patients from getting access to the health services they need. I am pleased to see it pass out of committee and am hopeful it will continue to successfully move through the legislative process."
The bill now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.
As the 2025 session gets underway, Johnson encourages residents of Senate District 14 to contact him with any questions or comments they may have. Johnson can be reached by filling out a "Contact Me" form online at www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Johnson or by phone at 800-382-9467.
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State Senator Dr. Tyler Johnson (R-Leo) represents Senate District 14,
which includes portions of Allen and DeKalb counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
