Abigail Ruhman

Earlier this year, Indiana lawmakers significantly cut public health funding in response to the "bleak" budget forecast. Health care leaders said the state's investment in public health needed more time to address health care costs and outcomes.

Indiana's proposed changes to Medicaid waivers that provide home- and community-based services are expected to take effect in December — including a significant cap on certain therapy services. But, people can still submit comments on the proposed changes until Friday.

The only American Sign Language interpreting program at a public university in Indiana will be cut as a result of a new policy in the state budget. Advocates warn Indiana already has a shortage of interpreters and this will reduce access for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Indiana has proposed changes to Medicaid waivers that provide home- and community-based services — including a significant cap on certain therapy services. Advocates and providers said the proposal from the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration would harm people with disabilities and isolate them from their communities.

Previously closed slots for Indiana's Medicaid waivers reopened on July 1. Indiana Those slots released by the state for the coming year will only cover about one-third of the 13,000 people still on the waitlist for home- and community-based health services.

Indiana's only comprehensive cancer center could lose its National Cancer Institute designation if the state doesn't invest in cancer research. A new state law establishes a cancer research fund — but Indiana hasn't dedicated any money to it.

Both in Indiana and nationally, Black infants and pregnant people continue to die at the highest rate. A community organization is expanding a program to Indiana meant to address those significant health disparities.

Indiana is in the process of transitioning to a new model to deliver behavioral health and crisis services. But the top Family and Social Services Administration official says the agency is concerned about having the necessary funding.

Hoosiers enrolled in Medicaid – and their family members or caregivers – may have a chance to directly contribute to policy and administrative discussions. The Family and Social Services Administration is accepting applications for the Beneficiary Advisory Council.

Youth tobacco use in Indiana continues to trend downward — largely due to a decrease in e-cigarette use. But a new survey shows the percentage of students who tried nicotine pouches more than doubled since 2022.