Lawmakers demand answers as Indiana Medicaid waivers face rising denials

By KARA KENNEY
WISH-TV | wishtv.com

State lawmakers demand answers after an Indiana’s I-Team investigation found the state removed families with disabled children from Medicaid.

State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn, D-Fishers, called on the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) to provide “honest answers” about the denials.

Garcia Wilburn

“I have heard from constituents living nearly every version of this: the new disability assessment that finds people doing better than they are, waitlists that never end, and paperwork the state never processed,” Garcia Wilburn said. “These are families doing everything right and losing coverage because of state errors. They deserve honest answers about who is making these determinations and how, and a system that does not force them to fight for care their children are plainly owed.”

“If you are a Hoosier in my district of Carmel, Fishers, Nora, and Noblesville who has lost coverage or can’t get a straight answer from FSSA about your case, please contact my office. I am here to help.”

Editor’s note: Constituents may reach out to Garcia Wilburn’s office via email at h32@iga.in.gov or by phone at (317) 232-9750.

Parents of kids with disabilities rely heavily on Medicaid and its Home and Community Based Services waivers. These programs help fund critical therapies like speech, occupational, physical, and behavioral.

This story was originally published by WISH-TV at wishtv.com/news/i-team/lawmakers-challenge-fssa-assessments.