A health advocate is expressing concern over Governor Mike Braun’s recent criticism of Medicaid, calling the program “broken,” and warning that his administration’s directive to halt advertising for the program could result in a surge in the number of uninsured Hoosiers.
Milele Kennedy, executive director of Gennesaret Free Clinics, emphasized the vital need for clear communication about healthcare options, saying, “People are already unclear about the options available when it comes to health care.”
Medicaid, a joint federal-state initiative, provides healthcare coverage to low-income families, the elderly, blind, and disabled individuals. Gennesaret Free Clinics, which offers free medical and dental services, women’s health programs, and recovery homes, has seen a substantial rise in patients in 2024, with a 50% increase in demand. “Many of the people that come through our doors don’t know what resources are available and just need immediate help,” Kennedy added.
According to U.S. Census data, over 8% of Hoosiers are uninsured, with more than one in ten individuals in Marion County lacking health coverage. Kennedy expressed concerns that Governor Braun’s decision to cease advertising Medicaid benefits could exacerbate this issue. “Receiving information about healthcare benefits is crucial for the population that we serve,” she said.
Kennedy’s organization, which supports many of Indiana’s uninsured residents, hopes to continue advocating for those in need and stresses the importance of collaboration to maintain access to healthcare services for vulnerable populations.
Governor Braun, inaugurated earlier this month, voiced his opinion on Medicaid, describing it as “a broken program.” He added, “In the sense that they don’t know what to do with it out in Congress in terms of sustaining it long term.” Medicaid provides coverage to more than one in four Hoosiers, with an increase in enrollees following the COVID-19 pandemic.
State Representative Gregory Porter, a Democrat from Indianapolis, responded to Braun’s remarks, suggesting that the Governor was importing a Washington-style approach to Indiana’s healthcare system. “A program cannot be broken that provides healthcare for 2 million Hoosiers, from young ones up to senior citizens,” Porter said. He also criticized the idea of removing people from Medicaid without ensuring they have alternative insurance, warning that such a decision could ultimately lead to higher healthcare costs due to increased emergency room visits. “You’re complaining about the cost, but you’re going to create a pathway of higher expenses by not advertising and causing people to get sicker,” he added.
FSSA Secretary Mitch Roob, who has supported Medicaid work requirements and eligibility regulations, defended the advertising halt, explaining in a hearing that the state doesn’t want to promote a program that is struggling to secure long-term funding. “It was never intended to be an open-ended entitlement with no responsibility on the part of the recipient,” Roob stated.
Braun’s advertising order is estimated to cost Indiana businesses millions of dollars, with potential long-term effects on both enrollees and the state’s economy. Although minority communities are more likely to rely on Medicaid, state data indicates that more than half of enrollees are white, meaning any changes to the program would affect diverse communities statewide.
Josh Kelley, Braun’s chief of staff, has denied that the state’s goal is to intentionally reduce Medicaid enrollment, insisting that the administration’s focus is on making the program more sustainable in the long term. However, many experts and advocates remain wary of the potential consequences for those who depend on Medicaid for their healthcare needs.
Related topics:
Study Unveils How Toothpastes Affect Enamel and Dentine Erosion
Brighten Your Smile: The VieBeauti Whitening Pen Delivers Affordable At-Home Results
Affordable Dental Care in Los Algodones: A Smart Choice for U.S. Residents
