ASA/ISA Backed Bill Targeting Abusive Insurer Practices Signed into Law in Indiana

Marking a major victory for patients, hospitals, and physician practices, Indiana Governor Mike Braun signed Senate Bill 189 (SB 189) into law. Effective immediately, the new law prohibits insurers from imposing fees or penalties on hospitals when out of network clinicians provide care—formally designating such tactics as “unfair and deceptive act[s]” in the business of insurance. The Indiana Society of Anesthesiologists championed this measure from the start. 

SB 189 was endorsed by the Indiana Society of Anesthesiologists (ISA) and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). The law directly responds to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield’s policy in several states to reduce hospital facility payments by 10% whenever out of network providers—including anesthesiologists—deliver care. Though targeted at hospitals, Anthem’s policy posed significant downstream risks for anesthesia groups by pressuring practices to enter inequitable network agreements to shield hospitals from financial penalties.

ISA and ASA applaud Governor Braun and the Indiana Legislature for their leadership on this important issue and for reaffirming the importance of equitable insurer practices in preserving high quality anesthesia care statewide.