INDIANAPOLIS (AP): Medical malpractice victims would be able to receive more compensation under a bill passed by an Indiana House committee.

The bill passed the Judiciary Committee 11-1 and would increase the cap on the amount victims can receive to keep up with inflation. The payment limit has not been changed in nearly 18 years. It would increase the cap by $400,000 to $1.65 million and then gradually every four years to stay in line with inflation.

State medical associations have opposed the measure saying independent physicians would not be able to absorb the costs since malpractice insurance premiums would also rise. But opponents have said the current cap is not fair to victims since it does not keep up with inflation.