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Senator Braun’s bipartisan Health Care PRICE Transparency Act was center stage at the hearing.

WASHINGTON — Senator Braun led a hearing on reducing health care costs through price transparency in the Senate’s Special Committee on Aging on Thursday, entitled “Health Care Transparency: Lowering Costs and Empowering Patients.”

During the hearing, the Senators focused on challenges in the current health care system due to a lack of price transparency and competition, as well as ways to improve the system for patients, people with disabilities, older adults, and families.

The hearing examined examples of how patients and plan beneficiaries were harmed by poor transparency and how unions and employers have found ways to amass incredible savings by acting on data.

Senator Braun also released a report today on health care price transparency. You can read it online here.

Senator Braun’s Health Care PRICE Transparency Act continues to add bipartisan cosponsors. The bill would require machine-readable files of all negotiated rates and cash prices between plans and providers, not estimates, expand price transparency requirements to clinical diagnostic labs, imaging centers, and ambulatory surgical centers, require pricing data standards including all billing codes for services, require actual prices for 300 shoppable services with all services by 2025, require attestation by executives that all prices are accurate and complete, increase maximum annual penalties to $10,000,000 (includes specific minimum and maximum penalties according to number of hospital beds in the facility), prevent preemption of state price transparency laws, except for ERISA group health plans, codify the Transparency in Coverage rule, provide group health plans the right to access, audit, and review claims encounter data.

Remarks:

Health care costs are skyrocketing. In 2023, we spent $4.8 trillion on health care, a whopping 17 percent of our GDP.

These astronomical costs are hidden behind deceptive practices that make health care unaffordable for far too many Americans.

When people go to the hospital, they have no idea how much their care will cost.

The same procedure can be 20 times more expensive in one hospital than in another.

The lack of transparency and competition in our health care system directly hurts patients, employers, unions, and governments.

As someone who has spent their life growing a business, I have wrestled with the impact health care costs have on employers and employees.

I was able to keep costs low and health care premiums flat by contracting directly with price-transparent providers and focusing on preventative care.

Combatting health care costs through transparency is something that Republicans and Democrats agree on.

President Trump put in place regulations requiring hospitals and insurers to disclose prices, and President Biden has continued to support it.

Today I am releasing a new report that highlights the need for Congress to enact additional transparency across the health care supply chain.

Congress needs to ensure that every American seeking health care will know the price up front.

The House-passed Lower Costs, More Transparency Act is a huge step in the right direction but has yet to be considered in the Senate.

Senator Bernie Sanders and I introduced the Health Care PRICE Transparency Act 2.0, a landmark bill to reveal health care prices for Americans that mirrors House bill in many ways.

I want to thank Senators Warren and Fetterman, who are members of this Committee, for joining as cosponsors.

Our bill pulls back the curtain by requiring all negotiated rates and cash prices between plans and providers to be accessible.

It requires providers to publish actual prices, not estimates.

Another major component of the bill states that group health plans have the right to review and audit their claims data.

This will allow self-insured employers and unions to make changes to their plan and save money for their beneficiaries.

Our bill puts the power back in the hands of Americans, introducing real competition into the health care industry and bringing down prices.

I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record two statements: one from Power to the Patient and another from Patient Rights Advocate with 75 signatures in support of this legislation.

I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get the Health Care Price Transparency Act 2.0 to the President’s desk.

It is time to deliver for our seniors, our families, and Americans all across the country.

I would now like to play a video telling just one of the thousands of stories about the impact price transparency can have on patients.

Thank you to Patient Rights Advocate for submitting this story and for their leadership in the fight to bring power to patients.

Bait-and-switch sales tactics, falsely advertised prices and preying on Hoosiers with subprime credit — those are the alleged misdeeds of a string of four Indianapolis used-car stores that might rank among the area’s most notoriously misnamed business enterprises.

And now, after a settlement with Attorney General Todd Rokita, the business will be forced to pay back almost half a million dollars to deceived consumers. The Indiana Department of Financial Institutionspartnered with the Office of the Attorney General in resolving this matter.

The stores operate under the name “Honest Abe Auto Sales,” but according to a lawsuit and settlement filed by Attorney General Rokita,they have harmed Hoosier car-buyers by engaging in dishonest and deceitful conduct.

Honest Abe Auto Sales advertised specific prices on vehicles, but when consumers with subprime credit attempted to buy the vehicles, Honest Abe raised the prices by thousands of dollars. Honest Abe then failed todisclose the price increase as a cost of credit. Over 250 consumers were affected.

“We won’t tolerate businesses breaking the law and duping Hoosiers into paying higher prices than advertised,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Regardless of their credit scores, consumers should never encounter bait-and-switch tactics in which prices change the second customers arrive inperson.”

Under the terms of the settlement, Honest Abe Auto Sales will pay restitution to affected consumers in the total amount of $470,646. Honest Abe Auto Sales is also enjoined from engaging in similar deceptive conduct in future advertising and sales.

“Here we have a business that allegedly hid extra finance fees, staggering service charges, document costs and outright price markups,” Attorney GeneralRokita added. “The fact they call themselves ‘Honest Abe’ just makes the facts of this case especially rich.”

The defendant, Sycamore Companies LLC, operates stores at the following addresses: 4401 North Keystone Avenue; 5520 West Washington Street; 3201 West 16th Street; and 5422 Madison Avenue in Indianapolis.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is alerting Hoosiers of important consumer protection concerns for products recalled in June. The office encourages consumers to take advantage of opportunities available for those who purchase recalled items that could be harmful to their families.   

“Summer is a time to relax and for your kids to have fun playing outdoors. This month’s list has several items you might find in your own backyard,” Attorney General Rokita said. “You shouldn’t have to worry if your children’s toys are defective or could cause them any harm. If you purchased one of the recalled products, stop using it immediately and pursue resolution from the manufacturer immediately.”

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the following consumer products were recalled in June: 

If you believe you recently purchased a recalled product, stop using it, and check its recall notice (linked above for all products). Then follow the notice’s instructions, including where to return the product, how to get the product fixed, how to dispose of the product, how to receive a refund for the product, or what steps must be taken to receive a replacement product.  

To view recalls issued prior to June visit the Consumer Protection Safety Commission website.   

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita’s office played a key role last week in a major nationwide enforcement action against licensed medical professionals who allegedly participate in fraudulent health care schemes.

The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) conducted 14 criminal investigations into alleged Medicaid fraud, leading to charges against 14 individuals.

“The Medicaid program was created to provide needed medical care to disabled and low-income Hoosiers,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Instead, too many unethical providers steal Medicaidfunds and resources to serve their own selfish interests. Our team of lawyers and investigators will keep pursuing and prosecuting lawbreakers who illegally try to defraud the system.”

In the 14 cases, the Indiana Attorney General’s MFCU investigated licensed health care professionals and Medicaid providers suspected of illegal activity.

In 13 of the 14 cases, Attorney General Rokita’s attorneys are prosecuting the alleged crimes with assent of the local prosecutors’ offices in the counties where the alleged crimes occurred.

These investigations are part of a nationwide initiative led by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Following are summations of cases in which Indiana’s MFCU investigators participated. In each case, the fact that a person has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and these persons are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The abbreviations "LPN" and "RN" designate licensed practical nurses and registered nurses, respectively.

State v Kristin Sturdivant 09D01-2406-F6-000159

In Cass County, RN Kristin S. Sturdivant, 34, of Logansport, Indiana, is charged with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and furnishing false or fraudulent information — all Level 6 felonies. It is alleged that Sturdivant, while working at a nursing home, signed out narcotics for patient use but did not administer the medication to the patients on numerous occasions. The case was investigated by Nick Anderson and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Robin Hodapp-Gillman, both with the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

State v Vincent Colonna 32D04-2406-F6-000552

In Hendricks County, RN Vincent Colonna, 70, of Cape Coral, Florida, is charged with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and furnishing false or fraudulent information — all Level 6 felonies.  It is alleged that Colonna, while working at a hospital, diverted medication from patients and did not properly dispose of waste, taking controlled substances for his own use. The case was investigated by Nick Anderson and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Robin Hodapp-Gillman, both with the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

State v Amy Mullins 82C01-2406-F6-003951

In Vanderburgh County, RN Amy Nicole Mullins, 36, of Rockport, Indiana, is charged with Failure to Make, Keep or Furnish Records, and Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud or Deceit as Level 6 Felonies and Theft as a Class A Misdemeanor.  Mullins is alleged to have stolen medication prescribed from a patient in an Evansville nursing home.  The case was investigated by Sarah Shoup and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Georgeanna Teipen, both with the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

State v Autumn Duvall 82C01-2406-F6-003952

In Vanderburgh County, RN Autumn Marie Duvall, 43, of Anderson, Indiana, is charged with Failure to Make, Keep or Furnish Records, Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud or Deceit, and Possession of a Narcotic Drug, as Level 6 Felonies.  Duvall is alleged to have stolen narcotic pain medication prescribed for two residents of an assisted living facility in Evansville.  One of the residents had already been discharged from the facility and reported the medication that she had brought to the facility when she was admitted could not be found when she was discharged.  The case was investigated by Vinnie Gieselman and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Georgeanna Teipen, all members of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

State v Myah Samples 82C01-2406-F6-003953

In Vanderburgh County, Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) Myah Alise Samples, 25, of Evansville, Indiana, is charged with Failure to Make, Keep or Furnish Records, Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud or Deceit, and Possession of a Narcotic Drug, as Level 6 Felonies.  It is alleged that Samples took narcotic pain medication prescribed to a patient in an assisted living facility in Evansville.  It is further alleged that during the course of the investigation Samples admitted to taking the pills.  The case was investigated by Vinnie Gieselman and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Georgeanna Teipen, all members of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

State v Edward Eon Board 10C04-2406-F5-000171

In Clark County, Edward Eon Board, 47, of Jeffersonville, Indiana, was charged with Level 5 Felony Fraud and Misdemeanor counts of Theft and Exploitation of an Endangered Adult. As alleged in the Information, Board, while working as a Certified Nursing Aide, stole the credit card of a nursing home resident, which he used at a sports bar and to purchase various personal items on Amazon worth almost $4,000, including: motorcycle parts; a punk rock studded leather jacket; glitter high-top flashing sneakers; a hip-hop rhinestone necklace and other items of jewelry, and video games. The case was investigated by Frank Loop and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Maureen O’Donnell, both with the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

State v Andriana Bautista 20C01-2406-F6-000713

In Elkhart County, CNA Andrianna Bautista, 29, of Elkhart, Indiana, is charged with nine (9) counts of Theft — all Class A Misdemeanors. It is alleged that Bautista, while working at a nursing home, obtained nine (9) residents bank or credit cards and made unauthorized purchases and cash advances including payments to her Cash App account and other transactions. Bautista allegedly linked the residents’ cards to her Cash App account and made multiple transactions.  This case is being prosecuted by the Elkhart County Prosecutors Office.

State v Shalynn Throw 46D04-2406-F6-000782

In LaPorte County, CNA Shalynn Marie Throw, 29, of LaPorte, Indiana, is charged with Fraud, a Level 6 Felony. It is alleged that Throw executed a scheme to defraud the Medicaid Program and Helping Hands by submitting false claims of providing homebound personal and companion services to a patient.  It is further alleged that during the course of the investigation Throw admitting to being paid by Helping Hands for services which did not provide.  The case was investigated by Nicki Droza and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Georgeanna Teipen, all members of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

State v Rebecca Plaza 55D03-2406-F6-000852

In Morgan County, LPN Rebecca Plaza, 60, of, Indiana, is charged with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, a Level 6 felony. It is alleged that Plaza, while working at a nursing home, diverted hydromorphone from nursing homes inventory. The case was investigated by Justin White and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Robin Hodapp-Gillman, all members of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

State v Jessica Lynn Hallam 87D02-2406-F6-000287

In Warrick County, RN Jessica Lynn Hallam, 39, of Evansville, Indiana, was charged with three Level 6 felonies related to the diversion of controlled substances from a hospital. As alleged in the Information, Hallam was reported by co-workers after becoming outwardly impaired during her shift as a Registered Nurse at the hospital. It is further alleged that during the subsequent investigation, Hallam admitted stealing Morphine, Dilaudid and Lorazepam from the hospital and falsifying her documentation for several years. The case was investigated by Vinnie Gieselman and Julie Nicholson and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Maureen O’Donnell, all members of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

State v Lori Pribble 39D01-2406-CM-000838

In Jefferson County, RN Lori Pribble, 59, of North Vernon, Indiana, was charged with Criminal Recklessness, a Class B Misdemeanor. As alleged in the Information, Pribble, while working as a Registered Nurse in a nursing home, flushed a patient’s catheter with vinegar, causing chemical burns to the victim’s bladder. Pribble admitted that she obtained the vinegar from the facility’s kitchen after she couldn’t locate the appropriate medical-grade solution ordered by the physician. The case was investigated by Kenneth Jasper and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Maureen O’Donnell, both with the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

State v Sherri Shelby 64D01-2406-F3-006399

In Porter County, RN Sherri Lynn Shelby, 56, of Valparaiso, Indiana, is charged with Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury as a Level 3 Felony.  It is alleged that while working as the Health Facility Administrator (“HFA”) of a nursing home in East Chicago, Indiana, Shelby was accompanying a patient resident of that nursing home who had limited and restricted capacityto another facility for a tour when a life-threatening incident occurred.  Ultimately, the patient resident died.  The case was investigated by Craig Whited and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Georgeanna Teipen, all members of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

State v Meredith Briles 18C05-2406-F6-000352

In Delaware County, RN Meredith Briles, 45, of Muncie, Indiana, is charged with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, furnishing false or fraudulent information, and possession of a narcotic drug — all Level 6 felonies. It is alleged that Briles, while working at a nursing home, ordered controlled substances for patients, acquired Hydrocodone from pharmacies, and did not deliver them to the facility for a period of a year. The case was investigated by Nick Anderson and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Robin Hodapp-Gillman, both with the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

State v Katheryn Luna 45D08-2406-F6-001775

In Lake County, RN Katheryn Luna, 65, of Crown Point, Indiana, is charged with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and furnishing false or fraudulent information — all Level 6 felonies. It is alleged that Luna, while working at a nursing home, signed out narcotics for patient use but did not administer the medication to the patients on numerous occasions. The case was investigated by Kathy Franko and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Robin Hodapp-Gillman, both with the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

Attorney General Rokita expressed gratitude to the investigators and attorneys of his Indiana MFCU team for their hard work on these cases.

The Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a federal grant. The remaining 25 percent is funded by the State of Indiana.

By:

Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

Ernie Tuttle, Democrat candidate for Washington County Commissioner, District 3.

David Norton, Democrat candidate for Washington County Commissioner, District 1.

The Republicans' time to file to be candidates in the November is over; it’s now time for the Democrats to file. They had until July 3 at noon to file for election and be on the ballot.

Two candidates have filed for re-election to the Town of Pekin Town Council. They are Darlene Anderson Hall and Anthony N. Mosby and will be uncontested.

Ernie Tuttle has been appointed by the Democrat Party to fill the ballot vacancy as a candidate for County Commissioner District 3.

David H. Norton has been appointed by the Democratic Party to fill the ballot vacancy of the party for County Commissioner, District 1. His filing has been certified, and he will be on the ballot in November. For clarification, along with his Primary voting history, the party filed a Certification of Support by the Democratic party chair in support of his declaration of candidacy. This is standard practice when someone changes party.