IN Pulse – March 29, 2026
2026 | Issue 13 – Rural Transformation • Debt Protection • Primary Care Gaps
Trendline Health | IN Pulse | 2026 | Issue 13
Policy & Regulation
Braun touts 2026 healthcare wins targeting medical debt and rural access
Governor Mike Braun highlighted new laws signed this year to ease burdens on Hoosier families. HEA 1271 and SEA 225 require hospitals to connect patients with financial assistance before collections and bar aggressive debt pursuits for non-compliant facilities. HEA 1358 mandates rural health rotations and nutrition education for medical students to bolster the doctor pipeline in underserved areas.“These are concrete steps to fix the broken health care system making it harder for Hoosiers to make ends meet at the kitchen table.” ~Governor Mike Braun
Indiana joins Vermont in capping soaring hospital prices
Despite political differences, Indiana and Vermont enacted 2025 policies to limit hospital charges for commercially insured patients amid national price pressures. The moves aim to curb costs that strain families and employers.Indiana Rural Health Transformation Program advances with $207M grant and new committee
The Indiana Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), backed by a nearly $207 million five-year federal grant, aims to boost access, innovation, workforce, and care models in rural communities. Senator Eric Koch (R-Bedford) joined the Region 7 Advisory Committee to guide local needs assessment and grants across eight counties. The initiative emphasizes community-led solutions for prevention, chronic care, behavioral health, and technology.
IN.gov Grow Rural Health | WBIW
Report: Indiana lags nation in primary and preventative care
Indiana trails national averages with only 66 primary care physicians per 100,000 residents (vs. 75 nationally) and primary care claiming just 6% of employer health spending (vs. 30% elsewhere). Children’s well-visit rates and many cancer screenings fall short, though adult checkups and adolescent mental health access beat benchmarks. Experts say underinvestment drives higher costs and worse outcomes; solutions include expanded scope of practice and more residencies.
Growth & Finance
IU Health Bloomington shows IRS loss but strong state-reported surplus
IU Health Bloomington reported a $20 million loss on 2024 IRS filings—the third straight year—while posting a $120 million operating surplus to the state. Differences stem from accounting methods and which affiliated entities are included. Systemwide, IU Health logged nearly $1 billion in profit, mostly from investments. The conflicting numbers fuel ongoing debate over hospital financial health.Indiana Orthopedic Institute expands to full musculoskeletal care
Indiana Orthopedic Institute is growing beyond hip and knee replacements with new spinal care and foot/ankle service lines launching this summer and fall. Fellowship-trained surgeon Dr. Daniel Williams joins in May for sports medicine and general orthopedics. A new Greenwood outpatient clinic opened March 30, adding to recent walk-in urgent care expansions. Founder and CEO Dr. Michael Meneghini said the model delivers “high-quality, efficient care” that resonates with patients and employers.“This high-quality, efficient care is attractive to patients and employers providing their health benefits.” ~Dr. Michael Meneghini, Indiana Orthopedic Institute’s founder and CEO
Workforce & Leadership
Perry County Memorial Hospital names new CEO
Tell City-based Perry County Memorial Hospital tapped longtime insider Nick Harley as CEO. Harley previously served as the hospital’s COO and vice president of ambulatory operations.
Sources: Curated from public reports and announcements, March 2026.
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