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Committee advances bill requiring Medicaid statements and a waiting-list assistance fund for HCBS
Summary
HB 1012 would require Medicaid recipients to receive EOB-style statements, create a waiting-list assistance fund using Medicaid reversions, and improve transparency and pick-lists for HCBS providers. The committee passed the bill 12-0 after an amendment narrowed reversion language and softened strict review timing.
The committee debated and advanced House Bill 10 12, a multipart measure aimed at transparency and targeted support in home- and community-based services (HCBS).
The sponsor described the bill as improving accountability and consumer information for Medicaid recipients who receive HCBS, including requiring monthly statements analogous to an explanation of benefits for services received. The legislation would also establish a waiting-list assistance fund to provide one-time supports for people awaiting waiver slots; the sponsor said the fund would be financed from Medicaid reversions rather than new appropriations.
An offered amendment narrowed the scope of the reversion language and removed a strict penalty tied to recipients' failure to review monthly statements within 30 days; the amendment instead emphasized case-manager support and reasonable review expectations.
Supporters at the hearing included the Arc of Indiana, area agencies on aging, and major HCBS case-management providers, who said the bill would improve transparency, make pick-lists clearer for families, and provide short-term supports to stabilize individuals on wait lists. Tom Krishan (Arc of Indiana) said the measure balances increased transparency with practicality and targets audits where oversight is most needed.
Committee members accepted the amendment and approved HB 1012 by roll-call, 12-0. Sponsors said further fiscal review will occur in Ways and Means and that written testimony will supplement the record as the bill moves forward.
