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Indiana FSSA Grapples with Defining Medical Frailty for Medicaid Work Requirements

Indiana FSSA Grapples with Defining Medical Frailty for Medicaid Work Requirements

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) is still working to define who will qualify for a medical frailty exemption from the state's Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) work requirements, set to take effect in January. Thousands of low-income Hoosiers insured through HIP, a Medicaid plan for able-bodied adults aged 19-64, will need to demonstrate 80 hours of work, volunteering, or schooling per month to maintain coverage. The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is redefining medical frailty, narrowing the definition to conditions that significantly impair a person's ability to meet work requirements. This change has created confusion among social workers, non-profit groups, and medical providers who attended a recent town hall hosted by FSSA. Sunshine Beam, director of the Division of Family Resources at Indiana FSSA, stated that someone considered medically frail today might not be under the new guidelines, and the agency is still collaborating with CMS to finalize the exc...
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Indiana Family and Social Services Administration to Issue Mass SNAP Replacements

Indiana Family and Social Services Administration to Issue Mass SNAP Replacements

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) has received approval to begin issuing additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit replacements on a mass scale. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to eligible individuals and families across the state. The specific details regarding the criteria for eligibility and the distribution timeline for these replacement benefits are expected to be announced by the FSSA. This action follows a period where many Indiana residents may have experienced disruptions or losses in their SNAP benefits, prompting the need for a broad-based replacement program. The FSSA's decision underscores a commitment to supporting food security for vulnerable populations within Indiana.
ReutersReuters
US says it canceled 315,000 Obamacare policies last month

US says it canceled 315,000 Obamacare policies last month

Sept 22 (Reuters) - The US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said on Tuesday it canceled 315,000 Obamacare health plans covering about 760,000 people last month, citing unverified citizenship or immigration documentation and suspected improper enrollments.
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U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell Introduces Resolution to Preserve Continuous Medicaid Coverage for Cancer Patients

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell Introduces Resolution to Preserve Continuous Medicaid Coverage for Cancer Patients

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell has introduced a resolution aimed at ensuring continuous Medicaid coverage for individuals undergoing cancer treatment. The resolution addresses concerns that interruptions in coverage create significant risk and hardship for patients. According to the release, over 75% of cancer patients have reportedly delayed or skipped treatment due to administrative issues with third-party systems. Furthermore, some states are said to require repeated verification of a patient's condition, even when Medicaid already possesses the necessary information. Representative Dingell emphasized that patients should not face treatment delays because of 'bureaucratic red tape.' The resolution has received endorsement from Less Cancer, an organization dedicated to cancer prevention and patient advocacy. This legislative effort highlights a critical gap in healthcare access and continuity for vulnerable populations battling cancer.
Asheville Citizen-TimesAsheville Citizen-Times
New federal rules will reshape Medicaid in NC. Here’s what to know.

New federal rules will reshape Medicaid in NC. Here’s what to know.

Major changes tied to immigration status and work requirements could affect hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians on Medicaid.
ReutersReuters
US says it canceled Obamacare policies for 760,000 people last month

US says it canceled Obamacare policies for 760,000 people last month

Sept 22 (Reuters) - The US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said on Tuesday it canceled 315,000 Obamacare health plans covering about 760,000 people last month, citing unverified citizenship or immigration documentation and suspected improper enrollments.
USA TodayUSA Today
Check your pantry: Chip recall hits 5 states

Check your pantry: Chip recall hits 5 states

J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon and Cheddar Potato Chips sold in five states are being recalled because they contain undeclared soy.
TrendlineTrendline
Sonic Drive-In Officially Reopens in Fort Wayne, Plans Further Expansion

Sonic Drive-In Officially Reopens in Fort Wayne, Plans Further Expansion

Sonic Drive-In Officially Reopens in Fort Wayne, Plans Further Expansion
ReutersReuters
Trump administration halts Obamacare enrollment for over 760,000 people, claiming fraud

Trump administration halts Obamacare enrollment for over 760,000 people, claiming fraud

By Bo Erickson and Christy Santhosh WASHINGTON, Sept 22 (Reuters) - The Trump administration is halting enrollment in Obamacare health plans for more than 760,000 people it believes were fraudulently signed up, Vice President JD Vance said on Tuesday, part of an anti-fraud effort he estimated would
USA TodayUSA Today
Vance, Oz probe cuts off subsidies to thousands of Obamacare enrollees

Vance, Oz probe cuts off subsidies to thousands of Obamacare enrollees

Vance and Oz-led probe cuts off subsidies to 760,000 Obamacare accounts, halts new insurance brokers.
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East Chicago School Remains Closed Due to HVAC Issues and Flooding, Return Date Uncertain

East Chicago School Remains Closed Due to HVAC Issues and Flooding, Return Date Uncertain

Lincoln Elementary School in East Chicago, Indiana, remains closed with students relocated due to significant damage from an August 11 derecho. The storm caused a flooded basement, a failed HVAC system, and a broken pump in the 1971-built school, which serves 285 students. School City of East Chicago officials, including Superintendent Stephen Bournes, informed parents at a town hall meeting that the estimated return date for students is mid-to-late October. The storm damage is estimated at $500,000. School board member Pattie Jo Gibson presented photos of flooding from August 31 and claimed water was present before the storm, suggesting mold issues and student illness. The East Chicago Fire Department reportedly issued seven violations after an inspection.
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Terre Haute Firefighters Host 'Fire Fighters Fight Hunger' Food Drive for Hunger Action Month

Terre Haute Firefighters Host 'Fire Fighters Fight Hunger' Food Drive for Hunger Action Month

In Terre Haute, Indiana, local firefighters participated in a 'Fire Fighters Fight Hunger' food drive as part of Hunger Action Month. The event, held at a Kroger location off US 41, collected non-perishable food items and monetary donations. All contributions were directed to Catholic Charities, an organization that serves 46,000 food-insecure individuals in the counties it operates within. Tomas High, fire chief at Honey Creek Fire Department, emphasized the importance of community support, noting that many families struggle to make ends meet and children often do not receive three meals a day. The initiative highlights a collaborative effort between local emergency services and charitable organizations to address food insecurity. Throughout Hunger Action Month, Kroger is also offering a 'round up at the register' option, with all proceeds benefiting Catholic Charities Terre Haute.