Curated insights on leadership shifts, innovative technologies, policy wins, behavioral health challenges, and system growth across the Hoosier State.
Quick Takes This Week
Policy in Peril: Federal shutdown furloughs 48 IDOH staff + ACA subsidies set to expire → premiums could double in 2026, threatening access for 100K+ Hoosiers.
Leadership Shifts: IU Health taps OrthoIndy CEO for strategy, Elevance cuts jobs, and IHA honors top execs — all amid rising cost pressures.
Innovation & Data: CSRI drops 160-capability HDU model; Parkview earns Most Wired Level 10 — Indiana systems level up for AI and interoperability.
Behavioral Health Boom: Centerstone + Brightli merge to form largest U.S. nonprofit, serving 250K — a lifeline for Indiana’s mental health crisis.
Access & Equity: $32M Housing Hub breaks ground + Union-HCA merger decision due Nov 9 — two moves that could reshape care for vulnerable Hoosiers.
Scroll for full stories, quotes, and impact analysis.
Leadership
Governor Braun appoints Hoosiers to healthcare boards and commissions
Governor Mike Braun named several Indiana residents to key oversight bodies, including the Indiana Hospital Association Board and State Health Improvement Plan Council.
Impact: Strengthens state-level governance and collaboration on hospital operations, public health strategies, and workforce development.
Read more (InkFreeNews)
IHA honors Dr. Michael Mirro with Award of Merit
The Indiana Hospital Association recognized several individuals for outstanding leadership at their annual conference, including Parkview Health’s Chief Academic Research Officer for advancing innovation, clinical leadership, and medical education in northeast Indiana.
Impact: Spotlights contributions to research and community care, inspiring statewide efforts to bridge academia and clinical practice amid talent shortages.
Read more (LinkedIn)
“You are creating a tremendous legacy, an inspirational and transformational leader.”
— Judy Boerger, MBA, MSN, RN, FAAN (Retired SVP/CNE, Parkview Health)
IU Health appoints John Ryan as chief strategy officer
The former OrthoIndy CEO and Managing Partner at Hall Render, will oversee strategic planning and execution for the system’s 39,000+ employees, drawing on his orthopedic leadership experience.
Impact: Bolsters IU Health’s growth roadmap, potentially accelerating partnerships and expansions in specialty care amid Indiana’s evolving market.
Read more (Becker’s) | IBJ
Elevance Health (Anthem) faces layoffs and internal restructuring
Reports of job cuts at the Indianapolis-based insurer—amid broader cost pressures—signal operational shifts affecting provider networks statewide.
Impact: Potential disruptions in claims processing and reimbursements could delay payments to Indiana hospitals, indirectly slowing care delivery for 1.5M+ Blue Cross Blue Shield members.
Read more (TheLayoff)
Innovation
CSRI unveils Health Data Utility Capability Model
Led by Dr. Marc Overhage, the model outlines 160+ capabilities for HDUs, from foundational data exchange to aspirational AI and genomic services, with public comments open until Dec. 12.
Impact: Provides a roadmap for Indiana’s HIEs to evolve into scalable utilities, enhancing interoperability and supporting national health data connectivity.
Read more (HC Innovation)
“This model gives a consistent, evidence-based way to answer that question: Can I rely on this organization to deliver the data and services I need?”
— J. Marc Overhage, M.D., Ph.D. (Incoming CEO, CSRI)
Parkview Health earns CHIME Most Wired Level 10 status
Among 18 national acute systems, Parkview was recognized for exceptional digital maturity in AI, cybersecurity, patient engagement, and innovation.
Impact: Validates northeast Indiana’s tech leadership, positioning the system to attract talent and improve care efficiency in underserved areas.
Read more (Becker’s)
Policy & Access
IHA op-ed highlights value of Indiana’s nonprofit hospitals
President Scott Tittle argues that nonprofits provide $1.8B in uncompensated care and $1B in community benefits annually, warning of risks if tax-exempt status is challenged.
Impact: Counters national scrutiny, advocating for policies that sustain safety-net services amid tight margins and workforce investments.
Read more (IHA Connect)
“The question isn’t whether these institutions are doing enough—it’s whether we can afford to live without them.”
— Scott B. Tittle, President, Indiana Hospital Association
Essential Hospitals release 2025 data report on safety-net providers
The annual snapshot shows essential hospitals provide 29% of U.S. charity care despite being 6% of facilities, employing 960K and driving $307B in economic output.
Impact: Underscores Indiana’s essential providers’ role in poverty-stricken areas, informing state policies on funding and access equity.
Read more (Essential Hospitals)
Podcast explores running high-quality hospitals at low costs
Shane Cerone and Dr. Sam Flanders, former SVP of Medical Quality at IU Health, discuss efficiency models, productivity focus, and surviving on 143% of Medicare rates without compromising care.
Impact: Offers actionable insights for Indiana systems facing reimbursement pressures, promoting lean operations to enhance access and sustainability.
Read more (Relentless Health Value)
Federal shutdown triggers furloughs for 48 Indiana Department of Health employees
Nearly 50 staff in the Consumer Services and Healthcare Regulation Commission—handling facility licensing, quality oversight, and radiation safety—face unpaid leave starting Nov. 9 amid the prolonged shutdown.
Impact: Delays in inspections and certifications could slow new clinic openings and routine compliance, straining rural and urban delivery networks already hit by workforce shortages.
Read more (Indiana Capital Chronicle) | IndyStar | FOX59
Indiana marketplace premiums projected to double in 2026 amid subsidy uncertainty
Open enrollment starts Nov. 1, but expiring ACA enhancements could hike costs 82% for Hoosier families (e.g., $2,000+/month for a family of four), with state-approved double-digit increases compounding the strain.
Impact: Risks uninsured rates spiking to pre-ACA levels, overwhelming safety-net hospitals and delaying preventive care in high-poverty areas like Marion County.
Read more (WFFT) | IndyStar
Behavioral Health
Centerstone completes merger with Brightli
The combination forms the U.S.’s largest nonprofit behavioral health provider, serving 250K annually across 360 locations in nine states with no disruption to care.
Impact: Expands Indiana’s mental health and addiction services, scaling access and innovation for veterans, schools, and underserved communities.
Read more (Centerstone)
“What makes this merger historic isn’t just the scale; it’s the opportunity to reach more people, invest in innovation and ensure no one faces behavioral health challenges alone.”
— Dr. C.J. Davis, CEO-elect, Centerstone
Aspire Indiana launches specialty services pathways
In a blog post, Aspire Indiana shares how extending a partnership for an in-house pharmacy strategy led to integrated care models for behavioral health, emphasizing new access points and coordinated treatment for mental and physical needs.
Impact: Addresses Indiana’s behavioral health gaps by streamlining referrals, potentially reducing wait times in rural and urban areas.
Read more (Aspire)
Growth & Expansion
Leaders break ground on $32M Housing Hub in Indianapolis
The low-barrier emergency shelter, funded by state and city sources, will offer 150 beds, a day center, and navigation services for homeless individuals and families by 2027.
Impact: Tackles Marion County’s homelessness crisis, integrating health supports to stabilize vulnerable Hoosiers and inspire statewide replication.
Read more (WISH-TV)
“I’m cold as it is right now, and yet tonight, there will be many in our city that will not have a warm place to seek shelter. But with this work we begin today, we will change that.”
— Mayor Joe Hogsett
Indiana Department of Health nears decision on Union Health-HCA merger (COPA)
The IDOH must rule by Nov. 9 on the proposed acquisition of Union Hospital in Terre Haute, potentially reshaping western Indiana’s acute care landscape.
Impact: Approval could boost specialty services and tech in underserved Vigo County but raise antitrust concerns; denial might stall $500M+ in investments, limiting access for 200K+ residents.
Read more (MyWabashValley)