IN Pulse – April 12, 2026
2026 | Issue 15 – Medicaid Delays • 340B Pushback • AI Patient Tools
Trendline Health | IN Pulse | 2026 | Issue 15
Policy & Regulation
Indiana nursing homes await $462M in delayed Medicaid supplemental payments
Hundreds of millions in supplemental payments for Indiana’s PathWays for Aging program remain stalled as federal CMS withholds approval of the state’s payment methodology for FY2026. At least two quarterly installments are overdue, hitting 496 nursing homes hardest and forcing smaller providers to slow vendor payments. FSSA says it’s working with CMS on resolutions, including potential grandfathering, while providers push for swift action to protect operations.
Indiana Capital ChronicleFSSA defends 340B changes projected to save Medicaid $20M but draw hospital fire
Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration is moving forward with changes that would prevent Medicaid from paying full price for drugs when providers receive 340B discounts, effective July 1. Secretary Mitch Roob called it unfair for taxpayers to subsidize hospital profits and construction; critics, including the Indiana Hospital Association and Damien Center, warn of reduced access and a “ripple disaster” across care.“Indiana’s objective is straightforward: to ensure 340B operates as intended and that Medicaid dollars benefit the individuals the program is meant to serve.” ~Indiana FSSA Secretary Mitch Roob
Growth & Finance
Beacon Health System taps Sarah Paturalski as president of Beacon Dowagiac, names additional interim leaders
Beacon Health System named Sarah Paturalski, MBA, MSN, RN, as president of Beacon Dowagiac effective this summer after a national search. Paturalski, a longtime nursing and clinical leader at Memorial Hospital of South Bend, helped drive major expansions and workforce initiatives. Interim roles were also announced for nursing/clinical services at Memorial Hospital and operations at Three Rivers Health to strengthen operations across the system’s northern Indiana and southwest Michigan footprint.
Beacon Health System
Innovation & Tech
Reid Health goes live as early adopter of Epic’s Emmie AI patient assistant
Reid Health in Richmond became only the second U.S. hospital system to implement Epic’s Emmie, an AI virtual assistant that delivers trusted, clinically connected answers and guidance to patients. CIO Muhammad Siddiqui said the move keeps patients inside secure health system tools instead of public AI, reducing friction and supporting digital equity in a rural service area. The system will track engagement and navigation improvements in year one.
Becker’s Hospital Review
Workforce & Leadership
IU Health CEO Dennis Murphy shares “what not to do” leadership lessons from medical drama ‘The Pitt’
Indiana University Health President and CEO Dennis Murphy used scenes from “The Pitt” to warn hospital leaders against casual address like “Hey, Rockstar!” to clinical staff and against fragmented crisis communication during events like cyberattacks. He stressed using professional titles to show respect and maintaining pre-planned, organization-wide information cascades in emergencies.
Becker’s Hospital ReviewSchneck Medical Center partners with Community Health Network to expand local heart and vascular care
Starting June 8, Schneck Medical Center in Seymour will offer full-time outpatient cardiology services on campus through Community Physician Network Heart and Vascular Care. Board-certified cardiologists Karamchand Paul, MD, and Deovrat Singh, MD, will see patients weekdays, keeping routine care local while providing seamless access to advanced services when needed.
Schneck Medical Center
Sources
Curated from Indiana Capital Chronicle, Beacon Health System, Becker’s Hospital Review, WISH-TV, Schneck Medical Center, and supporting reports.
Feedback? Drop a note to pulse@trendlinehealth.com.
Want IN Pulse in your inbox every Sunday? Subscribe free at →