IN Pulse – December 8, 2025
2025 | Issue 9 – Healthcare Affordability • Forbes Top Hospitals • Ascension St. Vincent CEO
Trendline Health | IN Pulse | 2025 | Issue 9
Policy & Regulation
• Indiana hospitals tout affordability gains in national rankings, but rural pressures mount
WalletHub ranks IN 8th for costs (up from 15th/’21), Forbes 24th (up 13 spots/’23), KFF premiums below national avg since ‘20;
“We’re making measurable improvements relative to the rest of the country” – IHA Pres. Scott Tittle.
Growth & Finance
• Harrison County Hospital joins Deaconess affiliate network for specialty boost without losing local reins
Effective Jan. 1, deal unlocks clinical expertise, tech, and recruitment aid;
“Rural hospitals face extensive challenges… this collaboration enhances access closer to home” - HCH CEO Dr. Lisa Clunie.
• Daviess Community Hospital drops $1.6M wage increase to lock in talent amid Epic switch and service expansion
RN scale jumps 30% to $45/hr across 400+ staff, targeting growth in urology, musculoskeletal, and primary care;
“Investing in our people is the most important step to keep care local” – CEO Justin D. Harris.
• Greene County General shutters OB unit Jan. 31, redirects births to regional partners
Cites declining volumes, staffing shortages, and payer underpayments – not closure risk; prenatal/gyne care stays local via My Linton Clinic.
Becker’s Hospital Review
• Forbes unveils Top Hospitals 2026: 7 Indiana hospitals shine with 5-star rating
First-ever list from CMS data crowns 253 five-star facilities nationwide; IN’s suburban surge continues to excel in outcomes, value, and experience.
Innovation & Tech
• Beacon teams with ENFRA for CHP energy overhaul at Memorial Hospital, live late 2026
Combined heat/power system + LED/HVAC upgrades to cut emissions 26%, usage 40%, and millions in costs – ensuring 24/7 reliability for NICU and ORs.
Beacon Health System
Workforce & Leadership
• Ascension St. Vincent anoints Don King as new CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2026
Florida turnaround ace (25+ yrs exp) to helm 19 hospitals/15K associates, building on rural access and quality wins;
“I look forward to serving Indiana by supporting exceptional care teams” – Don King, CEO of Ascension St. Vincent
Sources: Madison Courier, Becker’s Hospital Review, Daviess Community Hospital, Forbes, Beacon Health System, Indiana Hospital Association, Ascension
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