Prescription savings under PBMs, manufacturer rebates cause confusion
Pharmacy Benefit Managers, or PBMs, were the target of state senators Wednesday as they attempt to find solutions to decrease Indiana’s elevated health care costs.
Whitney Downard, Indiana Capital Chronicle
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Indiana lawmakers hear, but don’t vote on, bill decriminalizing marijuana
Rep. Wendy McNamara, R-Evansville, chairs the House courts committee and said the dialogue needed to be heard but didn’t call a vote on the bill—which would have possibly advanced it to the full House Chamber.
Tax-increment financing districts get more scrutiny under House bill
The proposal for the popular economic development tool used by Hoosier cities and counties focuses on transparency, accountability and benefits for school corporations.
Senators advance ‘site of service’ bill with reservations
A bill dictating payments for certain health services based on location—or site of service—cleared an Indiana Senate health committee Wednesday, though nearly every senator voiced concerns with the bill.
Lawmakers move revolving fund for housing forward without price tag
Lawmakers opted not the include an explicit price tag for a program designed to incentivize affordable housing construction throughout the state before passing the bill through the House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday.
Lawmakers hear mixed reviews on bill to lower health care costs
The legislator who introduced the measure said it was the result of a lack of action on the part of health care entities and insurers to lower prices.
House committee passes assistance increase, workforce training program
Hoosiers with disabilities and adult Indiana residents receiving benefits from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program could benefit under a new bill that would help connect underskilled employees to companies.
Lawmakers advance measure to create fund for housing infrastructure
The bill’s author—a homebuilder—says the fund would be a tool for Indiana communities to provide infrastructure for their housing needs, especially workforce housing.
Veterans, service members gather at Indiana Statehouse
Indiana’s veterans, active duty and reserve service members want two big things from the General Assembly: continued tax benefits and expanded treatment options—including mental health — in their communities.
Indiana budget has big ongoing, one-time obligations
When drafting the state’s next budget, lawmakers will need to consider the state’s ongoing commitments and one-time obligations under the cloud of a potential recession.
Former DWD employee charged with filing more than $34K in fraudulent claims
According to the investigative report filed by Indiana’s Office of Inspector General, a program specialist filed for and received unemployment insurance benefits while employed at the agency and also oversaw her husband’s fraudulent unemployment claims.
Health care costs among top Indiana legislative priorities
Hospitals are expected to come under more scrutiny and public health spending will be debated in this year’s Indiana General Assembly.
Indiana House Republicans take aim at ESG investing
House Republican leadership appears poised to dive into culture war issues again when the legislative session starts in January, setting a target on environmental, social and government-focused investing within the Indiana Public Retirement System.
Federal omnibus bill sets end date for continuous Medicaid coverage
During the pandemic, anyone who qualified for Medicaid at any point would keep their coverage, even if their financial circumstances changed for the better.
Indiana nets $15.7M settlement with e-cigarette manufacturer
Allegations stemmed from Juul’s marketing tactics, which included using hashtags and online influencers with large youth followings on social media platforms.
Indiana Chamber: Repairs needed for Indiana’s ‘leaking’ workforce pipeline
Indiana continually lags its peers in terms of workforce even as it tops the list in overall business climate. That unqualified workforce means that Indiana has twice as many open jobs as it does job seekers, according to a chamber report.
Premature births on the rise in Indiana
A 2020 Indiana Department of Health report on the emotional, health and economic costs of perinatal care for infants shortly after birth, said the financial costs for premature births in Indiana are estimated to be between $655-678 million annually.
Advocates try again to increase Indiana’s cigarette tax
The American Cancer Society is emphasizing the need to discuss an increase to the state’s cigarette tax, which at 99 cents per pack is the 39th-lowest tax rate in the country.
Share of women in Indiana legislative chambers hits record high
The percentage of women in the Indiana General Assembly, 26.7%, is comparable to the nationwide rate in Congress, which hit its own record last year.
State looks for opportunities to reduce overdose deaths
To tamp down on the growing number of opioid overdose deaths, Indiana stakeholders hope to explore ways to intervene earlier by analyzing “touchpoints” between Hoosiers and health care or criminal justice systems.