AGP Executive Report

Health System Moves: Fort Wayne’s Parkview Health plans to acquire Tennessee-based Ovation Healthcare, a financial-performance services provider. Eskenazi Health is also partnering with an insurer to offer new plans in 2027. Measles Watch: Indiana health officials reported new cases, with Wayne County accounting for 27% of the state’s total; a separate report confirmed cases in Adams County. Access to Care: A study highlights the difficulties Hoosiers face finding affordable dental care. Medicaid Changes: An estimated 58,000 Hoosiers could lose coverage when work requirements begin in January; state officials and enrollees are urged to prepare. Behavioral Health: Marion VA Health Care System named Sonja M. Comer its chief of behavioral health.

Health System News: Fort Wayne-based Parkview Health plans to acquire Tennessee’s Ovation Healthcare, which provides financial, technology and operational services to hospitals and medical practices. Terms were not disclosed. Dental Care: A new Indiana study finds cost is keeping many Hoosiers from needed dental treatment; 46% of surveyed residents said they sometimes or often could not get care. Public Health: Indiana residents are being warned about an illegal pesticide product that poses serious health risks. Disaster Assistance: Hoosiers in 25 counties affected by August storms can apply for FEMA help with uninsured housing, medical and other expenses by Oct. 25. Youth Wellness: Indy Health District and partners announced investment in a new youth space near the Children’s Museum.

Community Health: Indy Health District and partners announced new investment in youth services, education, health and public space near the Children’s Museum. Medicaid Access: An Indiana guest column warns that Medicaid challenges could put autism therapy at risk for children and families; Hoosiers are also preparing for state Medicaid changes in 2027. Mental Health: Marion County’s health assessment ranked mental health as a top priority, while Fishers is considering a site for a 120-bed behavioral health hospital. Prevention: Indiana health officials reported new measles cases in Adams County as cases rise across the region. In Greene County, IU Health is offering mobile lung cancer screening Oct. 19, with appointments required. Coverage and Privacy: Eskenazi Health is partnering with an insurer to offer plans in 2027, and a Marathon Health data incident reportedly affected some IU medical plan members.

Measles: Indiana has 40 reported cases, including two new cases in Adams County. Health officials urge vaccination to help prevent further spread. Health Care Access: Eskenazi Health and an insurer are partnering to offer new plans in 2027. In Northwest Indiana, Franciscan Health and the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana have opened a food locker aimed at treating hunger as a health concern. Data Security: A Marathon Health data incident affected some IU medical plan members. Support for Families: A proposed Indiana bill would require middle and high schools to teach students about the Safe Haven law, which allows parents to safely and anonymously surrender a newborn.

Public Health Access: Marion County walk-in services for birth and death certificates move to the new Public Health Center on Oct. 16; immunization records and lab drop-off follow Oct. 19. Free Screenings: Irvington’s Oct. 24 Wellness Fair will offer flu shots, HIV testing, blood-glucose and eye screenings, plus mental health resources. Measles Watch: Cases continue to rise in northeast Indiana, with new reports in Allen and DeKalb counties; Wayne County accounts for 27% of the state’s cases. Officials urge MMR vaccination. Behavioral Health: Fishers is considering a rezoning for a proposed 120-bed inpatient behavioral health hospital, which could expand local treatment capacity.

Farm Safety: Purdue counted 17 farm-related deaths in Indiana in 2025, including five in northeast counties. Three victims were under 18; the total was below the long-term average of 29 deaths a year. Measles: Cases are rising statewide, with 34 reported, including five in LaGrange County. Health officials urge vaccination; two MMR doses are 97% effective against measles. Health Innovation: West Lafayette’s MED Institute joined an ARPA-H-funded project to develop a wearable sensor that could monitor inflammation in patients after a heart attack. Rural Care: The Decatur Shelby County YMCA will receive nearly $529,000 to connect residents with personalized support, health coaching and chronic-disease prevention. In Noble County, libraries now offer blood-pressure cuffs to borrow and health information. Mental Health: Indiana ranks near the middle among states for access to mental-health care; local officials point residents to available support services.

Measles Watch: Wayne County has eight of Indiana’s 30 confirmed measles cases—27% of the state total—with officials warning that more local infections may be undiagnosed. Additional cases have been reported in Allen and DeKalb counties. Flu Season: Local flu cases are appearing earlier than usual as Indiana’s season begins. Pike County residents can get a flu shot at the courthouse today from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mental Health Care: A new gift from Tom and Barbara Schoellkopf will help IU Columbus maintain counseling services, add clinical staffing and technology, and support student internships and scholarships. HealthLinc also received a grant to strengthen its behavioral health workforce. Care Access: Dr. Brittany Sherron has joined Franciscan Physician Network’s obstetrics and gynecology practice in Crawfordsville, with interests including high-risk pregnancy and preventive care. Medicaid: Changes planned for 2027 could put coverage at risk and add pressure to already strained Indiana hospitals.

Behavioral Health: HealthLinc received a Valinhos Foundation grant to train three residents in integrating mental health care into primary care, as demand outpaces access: in 2024, just 15% of its patients with a behavioral health diagnosis had access to a therapist. Rural Workforce: A Purdue nursing grant will strengthen rural students’ pathways into healthcare careers, building on Tri-County High School’s health sciences program. Public Health: A New Albany food plant was evacuated after workers fell ill in a possible chemical leak; reports differ on how many people were affected. Allen and DeKalb counties also reported another measles case. Crisis Services: Indianapolis officials highlighted mental health response options after a deadly double stabbing, including a clinician-led team available around the clock for crises without reported threats of violence. Care Access: Fishers council members gave an initial hearing to a proposal for a 120-bed behavioral health hospital, while looming Indiana Medicaid changes raise concerns about coverage and added strain on hospitals.

Opioid Recovery: Montgomery County commissioners approved $98,661 in 2027 mini-grants for 13 local organizations working on prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery, and support for first responders. Infectious Disease: Bird flu was detected at a commercial duck facility in Jay County, while Allen County reported a measles case and Wayne County leads Indiana in reported measles cases. Medicaid and Hospitals: Proposed Medicaid changes expected in 2027 are raising concerns about added strain on Indiana hospitals and families who rely on care. Local Care: Deaconess added a family doctor and nurse practitioner at its Jasper clinic and a nurse practitioner in Cannelburg, expanding primary care in southern Indiana. Emergency Services: Allen County officials say a proposed $48.9 million fire and EMS district would add 30 staff and broaden coverage, with a projected budget increase of about $300,000 over current-system estimates.

Mental Health Response: A man was hospitalized after a Fort Wayne officer shot him during a call about a reported mental health crisis. City police and Indiana State Police are investigating. Abortion Access: Indiana is asking a federal appeals court to reconsider a ruling that lets providers give minors information about abortion care in other states. Measles Watch: Allen County has reported a measles case as health officials monitor a broader rise in infections. Water and Health: A proposed 2050 plan aims to protect Eagle Creek Reservoir, a key source of drinking water for Indianapolis. Integrated Care: Fort Wayne nonprofit Bowen Health is adding dental services at its Rudisill Boulevard site, alongside physical and behavioral health care. Medicaid Pressures: Indiana is reviewing Medicaid waiver assessments as looming coverage changes raise concerns for already strained hospitals. Breast Cancer Research: Fort Wayne’s Vera Bradley Foundation has raised $1.3 million this year for breast cancer research at IU School of Medicine.

Overdose Crisis: Jay and Grant counties rank second and fourth in Indiana for accidental overdose deaths, with rates of 59.9 and 58.9 per 100,000 residents from 2019 to 2024. Mental Health Access: Indiana ranks near the middle nationally for access to mental healthcare; a new guide outlines ways to find help. Medicaid Coverage: State reviews of waiver assessments come amid concern about proposed coverage limits. Indiana estimates 58,000 Healthy Indiana Plan members may not meet work rules taking effect Jan. 1, a potential strain for families and rural hospitals. Community Care: An Indianapolis hospital has launched Indiana’s first pediatric violence intervention program. Screening: Mobile lung cancer screenings are scheduled in Paoli for Nov. 4.

Mental Health Access: Indiana ranks near the middle nationally, with affordability, unmet need and provider availability shaping access. The report points residents to online care and other ways to find help. Medicaid Waivers: Indiana has resumed disability waiver assessments after pausing them in August to review case managers’ use of a new tool. Advocates had raised concerns about the assessments’ accuracy and the risk to people seeking care at home. Coverage Changes: The state estimates 58,000 Healthy Indiana Plan members are not yet meeting Medicaid work requirements set to begin Jan. 1, raising concerns about Hoosiers losing coverage. Farm Safety: Purdue’s 2025 report recorded 17 agricultural work deaths in Indiana. The estimated fatality rate was more than four times the statewide average across industries. Nursing Home Care: A family’s complaint about a sparse dinner at Newburgh Health and Rehab — 12 tater tots, fruit and soup — prompted a state complaint and drew public attention to residents’ meals.

Medicaid Access: Indiana estimates about 58,000 Healthy Indiana Plan members have yet to meet work rules taking effect Jan. 1, raising questions about how many may be affected as the deadline approaches. Measles Response: An Indianapolis hospital is screening patients amid rising concern over measles cases. Biotech and Research: Sen. Todd Young spotlighted Indiana’s biotech sector at an IU symposium, while Purdue and Elanco broke ground on a One Health research institute. Care Workforce: Ball State received $150,000 for nursing student scholarships. Indiana is also adding $3.5 million for medical staffing at the Miami prison, which houses ICE detainees. Community Health: A Fort Wayne ALS walk raised funds and awareness for research.

Biotech and Research: Sen. Todd Young told an IU symposium that Indiana is well placed to advance biotechnology; the university also announced new defense-focused research awards. Medicaid Access: Indiana is reviewing Medicaid waiver assessments as tens of thousands of residents are reported out of compliance with work requirements, raising the stakes for people trying to keep coverage. Screening and Prevention: A mobile lung-cancer screening clinic is scheduled in Paoli for Nov. 4, while a grant will help Richmond Memorial Hospital offer free mammograms to eligible women. Community Health Funding: Healthways Alliance is appealing after an 80% federal grant cut; separately, Indiana received $13.5 million in federal funding for home-visiting services to families.

Child Health: Doctors are urging caution over energy drinks, warning that their high caffeine levels can trigger serious problems in children, including abnormal heart rhythms and seizures. Lafayette Spill: About 300 gallons of a corrosive chemical spilled near South Street and I-65 Thursday, prompting evacuations and shelter-in-place orders; people with lasting eye, throat or skin irritation were advised to seek medical care. Breast Cancer Screening: Rush Memorial Hospital is offering free mammograms to eligible women who face financial barriers, helping expand access to early detection. Community Health Funding: Fort Wayne-based Healthways Alliance says an 80% cut to its federal grant cost it $433,333 in expected funding, putting health education work in Allen and Lake counties under pressure. Medicaid Access: Indiana officials are reviewing Medicaid waiver assessments as new Healthy Indiana Plan work rules leave about 58,000 residents out of compliance, raising concerns about coverage losses.

Community Health Funding: Fort Wayne-based Healthways Alliance says an 80% federal grant cut leaves it $433,333 short this year, threatening health education and training in Allen and Lake counties. Healthcare Innovation: At a Fort Wayne summit, author David Pogue discussed AI’s potential to advance healthcare, alongside concerns about its risks and oversight. Medicaid Access: Indiana is reviewing waiver assessments as about 58,000 Healthy Indiana Plan enrollees reportedly fall short of new work rules, putting their coverage at risk; families are also pushing back on proposed limits to autism services. Care & Prevention: A Fort Wayne hospital has launched Indiana’s first pediatric violence-intervention program, and mobile lung-cancer screening is scheduled in Paoli on Nov. 4.