NAPLES, FL—Today, the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) applauds Indiana State Senator Ryan Mishler for championing groundbreaking legislation to reform Indiana’s Medicaid system. His bill aligns with Governor-elect Mike Braun’s Freedom and Opportunity agenda goal to find efficiencies and save money in the Medicaid program. After a federal court struck down critical elements of the Healthy Indiana Plan last year, the reforms in this bill provide a path forward to preserve Indiana’s ability to support the truly needy, while encouraging able-bodied Hoosiers to be self-reliant and protecting taxpayers’ hard-earned money.
Senate Bill 2 would:
- Fight Fraud & Cut Waste: Regular eligibility checks and tracking improper payments will prevent fraud and ensure help goes to those truly in need.
- Provide Clear Rules for Hospitals: Creates clear guidelines for hospitals when determining eligibility and penalties for violations.
- Fix the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP): Restore the program’s original intent with added integrity measures, including work requirements.
These commonsense reforms have overwhelming support among Indiana voters.
“Indiana’s Medicaid program is facing some big budget and legal challenges. I applaud the Senate for demonstrating bold leadership by introducing comprehensive Medicaid reform right out of the gate this session,” said Jonathan Bechtle, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel at the Foundation for Government Accountability. “Senator Mishler’s early and consistent lead on calls for Medicaid reform, along with Governor-elect Braun’s prioritization of the issue in his first-term agenda, paved the way for this legislation.
“This bill will establish Indiana as a leader in right-sizing the Medicaid program, will prioritize the truly needy, and advances one of our country’s most basic and fundamental pillars: belief in the life-changing power of work,” added Bechtle. “With the introduction of Senate Bill 2, state lawmakers are sending a clear message that Indiana will fight to ensure its Medicaid program remains strong and sustainable, with every dollar stewarded to help those in need.”
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The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) is a non-profit, multi-state think tank that promotes public policy solutions to create opportunities for every American to experience the American Dream. To learn more, visit TheFGA.org.