Indiana Governor Mike Braun recently signed nine executive orders aimed at enhancing healthcare services for Hoosiers. These orders focus on reducing costs, improving transparency, and increasing access to affordable healthcare for residents. With these steps, Gov. Braun hopes to fulfill his promise of creating a healthier Indiana while tackling major issues like surprise billing, high drug prices, and compliance with state laws.

Here’s a detailed look at the key executive orders and their impact:

Executive Orders at a Glance

1. Faithful Execution of Pro-Life Laws (25-20)

This order ensures that Indiana’s pro-life laws are strictly followed. The Indiana Department of Health has been directed to oversee compliance with state abortion laws, including the reporting of terminated pregnancies. The goal is to ensure laws are enforced and healthcare providers operate within legal boundaries.

2. Improving Price Transparency (25-21)

Under this order, state agencies are tasked with enhancing price transparency for healthcare services. By providing clear and upfront pricing, Hoosiers will be better equipped to make informed decisions about their medical care.

3. Evaluating Hospital Charity Care (25-22)

This initiative evaluates how nonprofit hospitals fulfill their obligations for charity care compared to the tax benefits they receive. The aim is to ensure hospitals are meeting their commitment to public service and helping underserved communities.

4. Making Healthcare Affordable (25-23)

Gov. Braun has directed state agencies to focus on affordability by addressing surprise billing, regulating pharmacy benefit managers, and controlling high drug prices. These steps aim to reduce the financial burden on families across the state.

5. Tackling Waste, Fraud, and Abuse (25-24)

State agencies, including Medicaid and the State Employee Health Plan, are required to conduct independent audits to identify inefficiencies, fraud, and misuse of taxpayer dollars in healthcare expenditures.

6. Health and Family Services Dashboard (25-25)

This order mandates the creation of an interactive dashboard by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). The dashboard will streamline healthcare programs, eliminate redundancies, and improve care quality while controlling costs.

7. Agency Data Sharing (25-26)

Gov. Braun has encouraged state agencies to collaborate and share data to enhance efficiency and deliver better healthcare outcomes for Hoosiers.

8. Examining the 340B Program (25-27)

This order calls for a review of hospitals using the 340B drug pricing program to ensure facilities meet eligibility requirements and serve needy populations. The goal is to prevent exploitation of the program for profit.

9. Introducing Split Risk Pools (25-28)

The Department of Insurance has been directed to enable insurers to offer split risk pools. This will give Hoosiers access to more affordable and tailored insurance plans.

Public and Organizational Support

The executive orders have received mixed reactions. Some organizations, like Indiana Right to Life, praised Gov. Braun’s pro-life initiatives. Mike Fichter, the organization’s CEO, called the pro-life measures a “swift and decisive move” to uphold state laws and protect women from illegal abortions.

However, other stakeholders argue that more needs to be done to ensure these initiatives address broader issues like access to healthcare for rural communities and systemic healthcare inequities.

Transforming Healthcare for Hoosiers

Gov. Braun’s actions signal a significant shift in Indiana’s approach to healthcare. By addressing price transparency, affordability, and compliance, the executive orders aim to create a system that is both efficient and equitable.

Hoosiers can expect more tailored insurance options, enhanced transparency in healthcare pricing, and better compliance with state laws. These measures reflect the administration’s focus on accountability and improving the quality of life for Indiana residents.

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