IN Pulse – February 16, 2026
2026 | Issue 7 – Behavioral Health • Rural Access • Maternity Crisis • Pricing Progress
Growth & Facilities
Hancock Health Dedicates Centralized Behavioral Health Hub
Hancock Health formally opened the Green Family Foundation Behavioral Health Center on February 5, consolidating counseling, psychiatric services, the Connection Center, and Mobile Response Team under one roof for the first time. The $4.5 million campaign–supported remodel creates warm handoffs, easier access, and space for community education and large trainings throughout 2026. CEO Steve Long emphasized treating mental health with equal priority to physical health.
Hancock Health Connection Center - Source: hancockhealth.org
Reid Health Opens $100M Connersville Replacement Campus
Reid Health welcomed nearly 700 visitors January 31 for public tours of its new 106,715 sq ft Connersville campus—the county’s first new healthcare facility in decades. The two-story building consolidates ED, primary care, 12 specialties, imaging, lab, and infusion services with an on-site helipad (Fayette County’s first in ~30 years); patient care begins this spring.
Reid Health Connersville rendering - Source: reidhealth.org
Access & Closures
Johnson Memorial Phases Out Obstetrics; Indiana’s Maternity Crisis Deepens
Johnson Memorial Health will close its Franklin maternity unit in coming months—the 16th Indiana hospital to shutter OB services since 2020—citing unsustainable losses from Medicaid’s 57% and Medicare’s 82% reimbursement rates against soaring costs. CEO Dr. David Dunkle called the model “long-term unsustainable”; no other OB provider exists in Johnson County. Columbus Regional Health affirmed it has no current plans to scale back its ~1,200 annual deliveries despite similar pressures.
WRTV
Policy & Finance
Indiana House Passes Medical Debt Protection Legislation
The Indiana House approved a bill requiring hospitals to notify patients of financial assistance programs before sending bills to collections and to proactively share program information. The measure also prevents insurers from retroactively recouping payments after claims are paid and protects rural hospitals from recoupment when patients are transferred. Indiana ranks 11th nationally in residents with medical debt in collections.
Becker’sState Study: Big Five Nonprofit Systems Drop Commercial Prices to 252% of Medicare
Indiana’s five largest nonprofit systems (Ascension St. Vincent, Community, Franciscan, IU Health, Parkview) averaged commercial prices at 252% of Medicare in 2024—33 points below the 285% legislative benchmark and down nearly 7 points from 2023. The Indiana Hospital Association hailed the progress amid thin 1.9% margins; critics noted inclusion of physician fees lowers reported facility-only prices. Insurers urged to pass savings to employers and families.
WIMS Radio / Indiana Capital Chronicle synthesisPinnacle Hospital Hit with First 2026 Price Transparency Fine
CMS fined Crown Point’s 30-bed Pinnacle Hospital $51,615 for 155 days of alleged noncompliance with federal hospital price transparency rules—the first such penalty issued in 2026.
Becker’s
Workforce & Leadership
Beacon Health Names Gregory Piper President of Allegan Hospital
Beacon Health System appointed Gregory Piper permanent president of its 25-bed critical access Beacon Allegan hospital in southwest Michigan after serving interim since November 2025. Piper brings 25 years with Beacon, starting at Memorial Hospital in South Bend and most recently serving as VP of retail operations.
Becker’s
Sources: Hancock Health, Reid Health, HCON, WISH-TV, The Republic, WRTV, Becker’s Hospital Review, WIMS, IPM, WLZZ
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