Porter proposes five amendments to SB 2 to protect Hoosiers on Medicaid
Today, April 2, House Ways and Means Ranking Democrat State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) is proposing five amendments to Senate Bill 2 in committee.
“Frankly, I’m sick and tired of the myth that Hoosiers on Medicaid abuse the system or are too lazy to work,” Porter said. “There are always a few bad actors, but the majority are hardworking people who are simply trying to get by. These are Hoosiers in need of health care, not deadbeats intent on stealing from the state.
“I’m proposing these amendments to protect Hoosiers on Medicaid. We don’t need work requirements or restrictions on advertising, especially in the free market. I’m also interested in looking into additional revenue sources and strengthening safeguards to put this notion of Medicaid misuse to bed.”
The five amendments are below:
Amendment 18: Removes the work requirements for the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP).
Amendment 20: Eliminates all restrictions prohibiting the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) from advertising Medicaid and its programs.
Amendment 21: Creates the Medicaid Eligibility Validation and Verification Integrity Unit that oversees eligibility determinations for Medicaid benefits.
Amendment 24: Urges the study of an excise tax on sugary drinks from one to three cents per ounce. The amount of revenue raised would be directed to Medicaid, HIP or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Amendment 25: Allows a taxpayer to choose to contribute all or a part of their tax refund to the Medicaid account of the state general fund.
“If the majority is worried about Medicaid spending, they should address the causes of rising enrollment. Indiana has comparatively low wages, and high health care costs mean people need affordable insurance. Instead of putting more restrictions on life-saving health care, let’s improve Hoosiers' quality of life so they have a variety of options. The Medicaid program is a lifeline to many–our babies, our seniors and our medically complex. It’s important that this program is available and that its benefits are advertised.”