State needs more emergency responders, takes aim at training
Indiana’s emergency responders, especially volunteer firefighters, might be getting more funding for training and gear in the next state budget.
Health Care & Insurance
Articles
FDA’s own reputation could be restraining its misinformation fight
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is taking aim at a new health hazard: online misinformation. It’s an unlikely role for the 100-year old bureaucratic agency, which has never been known for its communication skills.
House Republican plan would speed up Indiana tax cuts, boost vouchers
The spending plan also falls short of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s recommendations for public health funding,
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.
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.
Panel backs moving opioid antidote Narcan over the counter
The potential move represents the latest government effort to increase use of a medication that has been a key tool in the battle against the U.S. overdose epidemic that kills more than 100,000 people annually.
CDC: Pandemic youth mental health toll unprecedented
The pandemic took a harsh toll on U.S. teen girls’ mental health, with almost 60% reporting feelings of persistent sadness or hopelessness, according to a government survey released Monday.
Rural hospitals worry as lawmakers move to lower costs for patients
Indiana lawmakers have seized on high health care costs as a priority problem to tackle this legislative session, but rural hospitals with thin profit margins are worried—and want more help from the state.
Rokita under investigation by disciplinary commission for statements about Indiana doctor
The proceedings stem from an ongoing legal saga between Rokita and Dr. Caitlin Bernard, an Indianapolis OBGYN.
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.
Indiana Senate approves doctor noncompete ban
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce is against the bill, arguing that the government should have no role in private contractual matters.
Primary care remains hot deal target as CVS makes $10.6B bid
CVS Health is seeking to buy Oak Street Health, which runs clinics that specialize in treating Medicare Advantage patients.
Indiana lawmakers look to broaden birth control access
While Indiana’s abortion ban is on hold pending a decision from the state Supreme Court, lawmakers are looking to bolster services that would prevent those pregnancies in the first place.
Regenstrief Institute hires epidemiology, research expert as CEO
Dr. Rachel Patzer, director of the Health Services Research Center at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, will join Regenstrief Institute on May 1.
IU board OKs plans to double nursing school capacity, raise residence hall rates
Indiana University said the renovations at the IU School of Nursing at IUPUI will help increase teaching and simulation capacity in support of planned enrollment growth to help address a shortage of nurses both in Indiana and nationwide.
Funding-boost bill for Indiana public health program advances
State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box, several medical organizations and business groups urged lawmakers to support the plan, pointing to Indiana’s poor national rankings in areas such as smoking, obesity and life expectancy.
Three years into pandemic, Indiana hospitals paint bleak financial picture
Hospitals across the state experienced their most difficult financial year in 2022 since the beginning of the pandemic, according to a study released Wednesday by the Indiana Hospital Association.
Indiana to get $66.5M to settle overpayment suit against insurer Centene
The settlement with St. Louis-based health insurer Centene Corp. resolves allegations that the company overcharged Indiana’s Medicaid program for pharmaceutical costs.
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.
Upcoming end of COVID emergency injects uncertainty into telehealth
A federal emergency declaration in January 2020 waived the requirement for health-care providers to meet patients in person before prescribing tightly regulated drugs. Once the emergency declaration expires, that practice could be in legal limbo.