Rural health leaders and advocates in Indiana say the Medicaid reimbursement rate is way behind where it needs to be. Addressing those rates is among the Indiana Rural Health Association’s advocacy priorities presented ahead of the 2025 legislative session.

When Indiana overhauled its public health system in 2023, county health departments had to opt-in to the program. Six counties did not participate in the first year, but joined in year two. Johnson County was one of them.

Thousands of Hoosiers continue to wait for home- and community-based services through Medicaid. One advocate said families should keep consistent contact with the state while they wait.

Just three initiatives under Indiana’s significant local public health funding program generated nearly $100 million in savings for the state.

Indiana Senate Democrats elected a new leader Wednesday, ousting Sen. Greg Taylor (D-Indianapolis) from the role.

The Family and Social Services Administration said in February it was not aware of how much money certain caregivers were paid. The agency announced it will implement a minimum “pass-through” rate prompted by legislation signed into law this year.

The State Budget Committee approved an additional $85 million to be spent on and around the controversial LEAP development district in central Indiana.

Gov.-elect Mike Braun made his final cabinet appointment this week, choosing Brigadier General Larry Muennich to lead the Indiana National Guard.

A Democratic representative is planning to file a bill to repeal part of Indiana’s gender-affirming care ban for transgender youth. The bill would repeal a provision that bans providers from “aiding and abetting” families seeking care out of state.

Destiny Wells, who’s run unsuccessfully for two statewide offices in the last two years, wants to be the Indiana Democratic Party’s next chair.