House Republicans strike down amendments for Medicaid protections

Yesterday, Feb. 21, State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) offered two amendments to Senate Bill 4 to  support Indiana’s Medicaid program in the House Ways and Means Committee. The first amendment protects the fiscal integrity ending the reversion or diversion of Medicaid funding to the General Fund. The second amendment established the good government practice of mandating quarterly updates from the Family and Social Services Administration. Both amendments were struck down along party lines. 

“Both amendments are focused on our Hoosier families,” Porter said. “I’m focused on getting them the support they need and keeping them on their plans. For so many, these cuts pose a serious threat to their well-being, their lives or their children’s lives. 

“Medicaid is a critical program, and it's a vital part of Indiana’s healthcare system. Many of our hospitals and providers are paid through Medicaid funding, so we have to protect the program to the best of our ability. Not to mention that most of our enrollees are our children. Let’s get serious about this issue for the kids. 

“Protecting the program includes stopping reversions and diversions of Medicaid money to the General Fund. It includes quarterly updates to the State Budget Committee and the Medicaid Oversight Committee from the FSSA. Both of these options were blocked by House Republicans. I keep hearing that we need to take a deeper look at Medicaid’s role in the budget, so I offered some tangible solutions. 

“There are steps we can take to solve the problems our Hoosier families are facing. They’re pleading with us to do something. But my Republican colleagues aren't in the business of creating solutions, they're in the business of creating problems. Despite the House GOP blocking constructive amendments to strengthen and shed transparency on Medicaid, I hope we can make real progress to resolve the attendant care crisis.”