Let’s be clear. ICHS agrees with policymakers that fraud should be investigated and prosecuted. ICHS is concerned about the “how” this would be done according to certain bill provisions. Language from a Senate bill that did not make it out of a committee (SB310) included language to allow suspension of benefits for “reasonable suspicion.” ICHS opposes this provision. See ICHS Concerns about certain provisions related to Medicaid Fraud2-9-12. ICHS will keep members informed as we become aware of bill amendments.

ICHS has expressed multiple concerns about the bill as introduced, including:

• costs exceed “savings” by nearly $807,000
• unnecessary new barriers to assistance;
• reimbursement and payment for testing costs not spelled out;
• TANF children not sufficiently concidered;
• need for treatment and assistance for drug users; and
• 4th Amendment issues.

In the first half, ICHS has testified in support of HB 1141, home energy assistance and in opposition to SB344, State Taxation (and now supports the amended version) and in opposition to HB1007, Drug Testing for Public Assistance. ICHS has worked behind the scenes on a number of other bills. In the second half, we will continue to advocate in our 5 priority areas.

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC);  
• Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP);
• Section 42 tax credits; and
• Unified Tax Credit for the Elderly

While the intent of the bill is to ensure review credits, ICHS believes there is a better way for policy review than mass elimination and special interest lobbying to reinstate some. 

Concerned individuals are encouraged to reach out to their legislators about this important tax credit. Contact your legislator through www.in.gov/legislative/2345.htm .

1) The policy is not cost-effective. FSSA estimates that eliminating the program will save $146,000 over two years, whereas the cost of one year’s care for one premature or low birth-weight baby is estimated at $49,000.

2) Prenatal care coordination works, as evident by documentation that participating women increase first-trimester care, reduce or quit smoking, deliver fewer low birth-weight babies and increase breastfeeding.

3) Face-to-face contact is needed with this population (in contrast to the alternative of e-mail, phone and letter contacts by managed care providers).

LSA #11-419, Case Management Services for Pregnant Women.

Reference Medicaid Oversight Excerpts October 2011.  

ICHS Members and partners are encouraged to email or postal mail comments to FSSA by January 13. Need help, outcome data or sample content? Contact us.

• Maximize public resources and demonstrate transparency, accountability and outcomes;
• Ensure a quality education for all Hoosiers;
• Guarantee access to affordable, quality healthcare and a healthy environment for all Hoosiers;
• Advance family sustaining policies; and
• Enhance community-sustaining policies.

Check back for talking points and testimony on specific issues.

David Sklar, Director of Government Relations, Jewish Community Relations Council, A Taste of Hunger to Raise Awareness, Indianapolis Star, 11/8/2011

Kerwin Olson, Executive Director, Citizen’s Action Coalition, Duke Still Dodges Accountability, Indianapolis Star, 11/10/2011

Erin Kelley, President of the League of Women Voters of Indianapolis, Council’s Map Contract Leaves Out Public, Indianapolis Star, 10/24/2011

“Prepping for the 2012 Legislative Session” provided local human service providers a look at the issues that may be considered by the 2012 session of the Indiana General Assembly. In three of the five sessions, current legislators shared their perspectives about the next legislative session as it relates to human services.

Many thanks to our hosts, partners and participants for sessions held in New Albany, Ft. Wayne, Evansville, Indianapolis and South Bend.

Powerpoint slides from the sessions may be downloaded at ICHS_FallForumsOct-Nov2011.

What happens in the Statehouse does not stay in the Statehouse: How new laws will affect your clients and nonprofits.

Nearly 200 individuals attended the sessions around the state. Below are the materials to share with your staff and volunteers. More info will be posted soon.
* ICHSLegislativeUpdateOverview2up from session with (REV) ICHS_RegLegUpdate_ExecSumRev (by request)  of attendees wanting to share with staff, board and volunteers. See also FAQsfrom2011Session_Rev7-8 (REV) and check back for updates.

Handouts from ICHS Members
- ChildrensBureau_ChildWelfareSummaryfrom Children’s Bureau
- ChildrensBureau_EducationSummary from Children’s Bureau
- ARC_First StepsSummary from The Arc of Indiana
  – Older Adults – AARP_2011Summaryof Session
  – IACED_2011_wrap_up of Selected Bills
- IaUW_SummaryMay2011  – NASW_Summaryof Session
  – NonprofitLobbyinginIndiana – from IaUW
* link to Summer Study Committee Topics
* link to the Indiana General Assembly

And if you attended or registered, don’t forget to take our survey.

And if your nonprofit human service organization has a question about how a new law is being implemented or affects you, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Be sure to follow the summer study committees.