A bill that aims to continue letting kids access children's hospitals closer to home is heading to the governor's desk. House Enrolled Act 1313 was approved by the Indiana Senate on Tuesday by a vote of 49-0.
It extends a temporary increase in the Medicaid reimbursement rate for out-of-state children's hospitals through June of 2025. Previously, Indiana reimbursed out-of-state hospitals at a much lower level. That forced many Northwest Indiana families to take their kids to Indianapolis, instead of the closer hospitals in Chicago.
Republican Representative Hal Slager (R-Schererville) authored the bill. He said in a statement that the measure "is about removing the emotional, physical and monetary tolls on families as they travel to get their child to treatment." He added that it would let leaders "continue making a difference in the lives of Hoosier kids."