IN rural care gets federal funding lift

Indiana communities are receiving nearly $3 million in new federal support to help more children, parents and pregnant people enroll in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

The funding comes from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services through the Connecting Kids to Coverage program.

Jill Inderstrodt, assistant professor of health policy and management at Indiana University, said rural Hoosiers face unique challenges.

"Rural Hoosiers are at a disadvantage," Inderstrodt reported. "We know that rural Hoosiers have poorer health outcomes, and they're also more likely to be uninsured. Rural hospitals are closing very quickly and rely on Medicaid dollars to keep them supported."

The Indiana Rural Health Association oversees the grant. Supporters of the funding said it will help families access care, while critics questioned whether communities should rely so heavily on federal funding for basic services.

Inderstrodt pointed out the money helps at the individual level by ensuring people are insured and get preventive care.

"Funding for Medicaid is going to be decreasing as a result of recent legislative challenges," Inderstrodt observed. "I think that this can help calm some fears that Hoosiers have about losing Medicaid status."

More than 1.9 million Hoosiers depend on Medicaid. Lawmakers continue to debate new work requirements, leaving families uncertain about the future.