Indiana legislators pass House Bill 1666 ensuring health care ownership transparency

House Bill 1666, introduced in Indiana on March 26, 2025, aims to enhance transparency in the ownership of health care providers across the state. The bill mandates that hospitals, certain health care entities, insurers, third-party administrators, and pharmacy benefit managers report their ownership information to the Indiana Department of Health and the Secretary of State. This information is deemed confidential and is protected from public disclosure under existing public records laws.

Key provisions of the bill include a revised definition of "health care entity" to better govern mergers and acquisitions within the sector. Additionally, it empowers the Office of the Attorney General to investigate market concentration among health care entities, a move intended to address concerns about monopolistic practices in the health care industry.

The bill has sparked notable debates among lawmakers, particularly regarding the balance between transparency and confidentiality. Supporters argue that the legislation is crucial for ensuring accountability and preventing anti-competitive behavior in health care, while opponents express concerns about the potential for overreach and the implications for privacy.

Economically, the bill could have significant implications for the health care market in Indiana, potentially influencing how health care providers operate and interact with one another. By increasing oversight, the state aims to foster a more competitive environment that could benefit consumers through improved services and pricing.

As the bill progresses, it is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with certain provisions beginning on January 1, 2026. The outcome of this legislation could reshape the landscape of health care ownership and regulation in Indiana, making it a critical development to watch in the coming months.