Gov. Mike Braun Says Medicaid Is ‘A Broken Program’

Source: Kevin Dietsch / Getty

Indiana Governor Mike Braun has defended his administration’s directive to stop advertising Medicaid programs, saying it is “a broken program.”

On Wednesday, Braun signed nine executive orders that he says are all aimed at improving the state’s healthcare system, focusing on reducing costs, increasing access, and enhancing transparency.

These orders are part of Braun’s commitment to providing quality healthcare for Indiana residents without breaking the bank. The governor previously issued executive orders eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and ending remote work for state employees.

After signing the executive orders, Braun took question from reporters and addressed his administration’s directive to stop all radio and television advertisements for Medicaid programs.

“So, that’s a broken program. In the sense that they don’t know what to do with it out in Congress, in terms of sustaining it long-term. If that program wants to stay in place for those that can’t afford healthcare, they need to do a better job at running it as opposed to inviting more people to come onto it,” Braun said.

Indiana Medicaid programs include:

• Traditional Medicaid for Hoosiers under the age of 60 with low income.
• Healthy Indiana Plan – For low-income Indiana residents between the ages of 19 and 64 who aren’t eligible for Medicare or another Medicaid program.
• Hoosier Healthwise – For children up to age 19 and pregnant women.
• Hoosier Care Connect – For Indiana Health Coverage programs members age 65+, or with blindness or disability.