Medicaid

Dr. Darla Hinshaw walks up to the podium in the Indiana Senate chamber. She's there to tell lawmakers about the children she treats as a psychiatrist and the issue standing between kids and effective treatment.  

The National Federation of the Blind filed a lawsuit in federal district court against the Indiana state agency that handles Medicaid benefits. The lawsuit alleges the state agency has committed “systemic violations of the civil rights of blind Indiana residents.” 

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network released a report Thursday on what states have done to reduce cancer deaths – and organization leaders say Indiana lawmakers have largely fallen short.

A new statewide order begins Thursday, Aug. 1 which aims to lower Indiana's smoking rate. Now, most people in Indiana won’t need a doctors visit to receive tobacco cessation medications. They can go straight to a pharmacist. 

Indiana moves to help Hoosiers quit smoking with a new order signed in Indianapolis. The changes also include efforts to help pregnant mothers kick the habit.

Mental health and Medicaid were some of the policy topics presented at the annual School Health Conference in Indianapolis this week but therewas also push for more action.