NEWS & VIEWS

July 17, 2025

Budget Reconciliation Implementation Dates

This chart identifies implementation dates for select health provisions of the Senate engrossed version of the budget reconciliation bill that was signed into law on July 4, 2025. Many do not go into effect until at least 2026, with some implementation being pushed to 2027 and 2028.

Rural Health Fund

When the Senate was working on their version of the budget reconciliation bill, members brought up the potential harm to rural hospitals with reductions to Medicaid spending. The Senate responded by adding a "rural health transformation program" and allocated $50 billion dollars to the fund. This brief describes the rural health fund, explains what the law says about the allocation of funds, and highlights outstanding questions about how the funds will be distributed across and within states for rural hospitals and other programs serving rural populations.

Rescission Package

At the time of this publication, Congress is working to pass H.R. 4, which rescinds $9.4 billion in unobligated funds that were provided to the Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), various independent and related agencies, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. 

The rescissions were proposed by the President under procedures included in the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. Under current law, the President may propose rescissions to Congress using specified procedures, and the rescissions must be enacted into law to take effect. 

The bill summary, including the specific funds that are potentially being clawed back, can be found here.

School Mental Health Peer-Led Prevention Program Has Openings in Indiana

Bring Change to Mind (BC2M) is a national nonprofit organization, co-founded by actress and advocate Glenn Close, that works to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness. Middle and high school programs are growing quickly around the country, including here in Indiana. BC2M peer-led mental health clubs empower students to advocate with friends, teachers, and others for mental health awareness to help create more empathetic and stigma-free school environments. The program is evidence-based, student-led and provided free of charge to every school that partners with BC2M. 

Interested in learning more or starting a BC2M club? Please complete the club interest form. For any questions, reach out to karin.g@bringchange2mind.org to learn more. 

Presumptive Eligibility

Presumptive eligibility (PE) is a process that offers immediate short-term coverage of health care services for people that are uninsured and appear to meet program requirements. Medical and Mental Health providers along with Local Health Departments have authorization to enroll Hoosiers in PE to receive treatment from Indiana Health Coverage Program (IHCP) providers. A full Medicaid application must be submitted for all those on the PE program. Learn more from these FSSA webinar slides - Presumptive Eligibility Training Presentation.

Self-Attestation of Pregnancy

The recently enacted SEA 2 has the following language, "Except as required under federal law, the office of the secretary may not accept self-attestation of any of the following in the administration of the Medicaid program without verification before enrollment." There is a prohibition against requiring written documentation of pregnancy in federal regulation at 42 CFR § 435.956. Federal regulations overrule state legislation/regulations if and when there is a mismatch. The correct policy is to accept self-attestation of pregnancy unless the section below applies to the applicant. 

42 CFR 435.956(e) Pregnancy. The agency must accept self-attestation of pregnancy unless the State has information that is not reasonably compatible with such attestation, subject to the requirements of § 435.952 of this subpart.

Free Mammogram Via Mobile Screening Unit

Indianapolis-based drugmaker Eli Lilly and Co., in partnership with Black Health Matters, is sponsoring free mammograms via a mobile screening unit from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. THIS WEEKEND, July 17-19, 2025 in Indianapolis. The mobile screening unit will be at South Street Square Park, at the corner of South and Alabama streets, downtown. Women who are older than 35 and have not had a mammogram in the past year are eligible. To make an appointment, schedule online or call (317) 779-3899.

Join IN-FaCTS

Indiana Family Colleagues Transforming Systems, or IN-FaCTS, is recruiting families from across Indiana who imagine a world where their involvement can transform the entire system of care for children with special health care needs. 

Changes Coming to ACA Marketplace Policies

Beyond the Basics is offering an early look at the impact of federal changes to the ACA Marketplace, some of which take effect as early as August 25^th.

You can register for informational webinars in English and Spanish at the links below.

July 29, 2025 at 2 pm in English – register here

July 31, 2025 at 2 pm in Spanish – register here

Young Adults with Protective Policies Had Lower Odds of Smoking and Vaping

According to the Truth Initiative, LGBTQ+ youth and young adults who live in states with protective LGBTQ+ policies are significantly less likely to smoke or vape compared to peers in more restrictive states. A study of 15–31‑year‑olds found that those in high-scoring states had 65% lower odds of current cigarette use and 56% lower odds of e‑cigarette use, with prevalence rates at just 4.8% for cigarettes and 14.2% for vaping—versus 13.2%/23.7% in states with discriminatory policies. These protective laws—such as those guaranteeing nondiscrimination in employment and housing, access to gender-affirming care, and parental rights—appear crucial for reducing tobacco use and health disparities in the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting policy environment as a key factor in LGBTQ+ health.

Connect with CKF

Tobacco Prevention & Cessation program on social media!

© 2024 Covering Kids & Families of Indiana | All Rights Reserved