State adds up pain of health bill but won't release estimate of Medicaid losses

INDIANAPOLIS – Gov. Eric Holcomb's administration is keeping quiet on its internal estimates of what the Senate health care bill could cost the state in federal funding if it is passed.

The projection shows how much money the state would lose under the bill in cuts to traditional Medicaid services for the elderly, poor and disabled as well as the state's HIP 2.0 health insurance plan.

But press secretary Stephanie Wilson wouldn't commit to releasing the data before a final vote.

“We'll keep a close eye on what happens when Congress is back in session, and we'll continue to work on our analysis of the bill as it evolves,” she said. “The governor has been very clear about what he would like to see in this bill and what he is asking federal partners to provide: flexibility, control and time to adjust.”

Indiana is running radio ads urging Hoosiers to join the HIP 2.0 program, but the bill could gut funding and jeopardize the program's future, including increased money for drug treatment the state has sought.