IN Pulse – March 22, 2026
2026 | Issue 12 – Medicaid Shakeup • Nursing Home Shift • Leadership Transitions
Trendline Health | IN Pulse | 2026 | Issue 12
Policy & Regulation
Indiana targets 340B savings in major Medicaid drug reimbursement overhaul
FSSA plans to discontinue Medicaid reimbursement for drugs purchased under the federal 340B program starting July 1, 2026, letting the state capture roughly $63 million annually in rebates for its budget. Safety-net providers like HealthNet and the Damien Center warn of $3–5 million hits each, potentially slashing services for low-income and uninsured Hoosiers and driving more emergency visits. Critics question whether the move truly saves money or just shifts costs. Public comments due by March 27.
Gov. Braun signs bill moving long-stay nursing home residents out of Medicaid managed care
Long-term nursing home residents (100+ days) will shift from managed care back to fee-for-service beginning July 1, 2027, after Gov. Mike Braun signed HB 1277 on March 12. The PathWays for Aging program has faced payment delays and denials totaling an estimated $100 million from MCOs like UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Elevance. The state will also pursue an assisted living Medicaid waiver.
Workforce & Leadership
Deaconess Illinois CFO brings rental-car discipline to healthcare finance
Jason Hinkle, CFO of Deaconess Illinois (part of Evansville-based Deaconess Health System), oversees four hospitals after an unconventional route: EY healthcare audits, four years at Enterprise Mobility as senior accountant, then roles at Advocate Health and Loyola Medicine. He’s importing performance-based pay tying frontline leaders’ compensation to budget results — giving them “skin in the game” — while pushing AI into daily operations.
Sources: Curated from IBJ, IPM, Becker’s Hospital Review, and supporting public notices. All links active as of March 24, 2026.
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