A Strong Medicaid Program Is About More Than the Bottom Line, It’s About People

The Indiana Disability Alliance recognizes the importance of maintaining a financially responsible Medicaid program and welcomes news that Indiana’s Medicaid program has returned to a stronger financial position. A stable Medicaid system is essential for individuals, families, providers, and taxpayers across our state. 

However, financial stability must be measured by more than budget numbers alone. 

For thousands of Hoosiers with disabilities, Medicaid is the foundation that provides access to healthcare, Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), therapies, personal care supports, employment assistance, and other services that make independence and community living possible. 

While Indiana’s Medicaid outlook may have improved, many individuals with disabilities and their families continue to face significant challenges, including coverage disruptions, waiver eligibility concerns, workforce shortages, provider capacity issues, and barriers to accessing needed supports. 

Recent reports from families across Indiana demonstrate that Medicaid decisions have real and lasting impacts. Losing access to services or experiencing delays in care can affect an individual’s ability to live safely at home, participate in their community, maintain employment, and achieve greater independence. 

A financially healthy Medicaid program should do more than reduce costs, it should improve outcomes for the people it serves.  

Indiana has an opportunity to use this moment of fiscal stability to strengthen the systems that support Hoosiers with disabilities. Investments in Home and Community-Based Services, direct support professionals, accessible healthcare, and reliable service delivery are investments that benefit individuals, families, communities, and taxpayers. 

Community-based supports are not simply expenses. They help prevent costly crises, reduce unnecessary institutional care, support caregivers, and allow people with disabilities to live meaningful lives in the communities they call home. 

As Indiana moves forward, we urge policymakers and community leaders to consider the full measure of Medicaid’s success, not only dollars saved, but lives improved. 

The Indiana Disability Alliance remains committed to working with individuals with disabilities, families, advocates, providers, and policymakers to ensure Indiana’s Medicaid system is sustainable, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Hoosiers with disabilities.