Healthcare

Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) said finding a landing spot on the site of service language took the entirety of the legislative session, but it allows lawmakers to implement a policy that was passed two years ago.

'Comprehensive' health costs plan sent to governor despite access to care concerns

Abigail Ruhman

Lawmakers approved the final version of a “comprehensive plan” meant to address health care costs in Indiana.

As part of the announcement, Gov. Mike Braun was joined by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz.

Braun launches 'Make Indiana Healthy Again' initiative, makes significant changes to SNAP

Abigail Ruhman

Gov. Mike Braun unveiled a new health initiative which makes several significant changes to Indiana’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

Medicaid experts and advocates said more eligibility checks and work reporting requirements will result in people losing coverage even if they meet the requirements for the program. Some lawmakers argue the loss of coverage could have a negative fiscal impact on the state.

House passes HIP work requirements, Medicaid fiscal reforms despite concerns about loss of coverage

Abigail Ruhman

The reforms are among many meant to address the rising cost of Medicaid in the state budget.

Despite the exceptions, Medicaid advocates and members continue to raise concerns about work reporting requirements. Medicaid experts said most people enrolled in Medicaid already work, but administrative issues can lead to people losing coverage even if they would otherwise meet the requirement.

Committee makes changes to HIP work reporting exceptions, Medicaid advertising ban

Abigail Ruhman

A House committee amended controversial legislation that will reintroduce previously halted work reporting requirements to Indiana's Medicaid expansion program.

Demonstrators with Hoosier Action delivered hundreds of stories to Gov. Mike Braun to explain how important Medicaid is in the lives of everyday Hoosiers.

Members, advocates rally at Statehouse, call on lawmakers to kill proposed changes to Medicaid

Abigail Ruhman

Advocates and Medicaid members said proposed changes to Medicaid could lead to bigger issues for Hoosiers and the state.

For many members, like Eliza Brader, losing Medicaid coverage is a matter of life and death. As a result a chronic condition, Brader’s has a pacemaker and takes a medication that the withdrawal from can be deadly. She said she can’t afford to pay for those things out of pocket.

Lawmakers remove enrollment cap in HIP redesign. Advocates urge them to reconsider other policies

Abigail Ruhman

Employment would become a condition of eligibility. SB 2 would require people on HIP to work a “monthly average” of 20 hours per week.

Senate Bill 505 would allow EMS providers to bring patients to non-emergency facilities, including urgent care and mental health facilities. It would also require providers to establish protocols to determine the appropriate facility for each patient.

EMS providers could transport to non-emergency facilities under Indiana bill

Abigail Ruhman

Senate Bill 505 would allow EMS providers to bring patients to non-emergency facilities, including urgent care and mental health facilities.

Senate Bill 2 reintroduces Indiana's previously halted work requirements and limits enrollment to 500,000 people — with some flexibility based on federal Medicaid policy. That’s nearly 200,000 people less than current enrollment.

Indiana Senate passes Medicaid, HIP overhaul despite concerns about access, coverage

Abigail Ruhman

The Senate approved legislation that would make several significant changes to the Healthy Indiana Plan, or HIP.

Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Mishawka) claimed Medicaid members who lose coverage could go on the federal exchange, where he said they are likely to qualify for the federal government to pay the premium. However, the subsidies offered in the marketplace aren’t offered to people below the federal poverty line. That means the federal government wouldn’t pay the premium for anyone who could lose access to HIP under the federal poverty line, which is a large portion of those at risk. (Brandon Smith/IPB News)

Medicaid, HIP overhaul measure drops lifetime eligibility limit, codifies program advertising ban

Abigail Ruhman

Senate Bill 2 would introduce several restrictions on HIP, which pays for the health care needs of more than 750,000 Hoosiers.

Indiana's Graduate Medical Education Board plans to ask lawmakers for more money following a record number of applications for funding this year to expand or establish physician training programs.

Prior authorization bill moves forward. But key reforms stripped out over fiscal concerns

Abigail Ruhman

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved a bill to limit the use of prior authorizations for state health plans like Medicaid — but an amendment to the bill stripped several key provisions.