Health Care the Hoosier Way

In many parts of our state, access to health care can be difficult for older Hoosiers who want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) is a growing and innovative approach that is improving health care outcomes, saving money, and helping residents age in place.

Watch the video to learn more about the impact mobile integrated health is having in one Indiana community and see the latest on AARP Indiana's efforts at the Statehouse to grow and sustain these successful programs.

What is Mobile Integrated Health (MIH)?

• MIH is a patient-centered model of care delivered in a patient's home or in a mobile environment.
• MIH programs offer a range of services, including diabetic monitoring, disease management, vaccinations, substance abuse and mental illness mitigation, and maternal and infant care.
• The Indiana Emergency Medical Services Commission has approved community paramedicine programs that cover all or parts of more than 50 of the state’s 92 counties.

Why It Matters

• MIH programs help older residents stay in their homes for as long as they would like and have been successful in our smaller rural communities, as well as our larger ones.
• MIH curbs costs by reducing hospital readmissions and inappropriate use of emergency departments.

The Problem

• Money to support MIH programs has remained piecemeal, leading to ongoing efforts to secure permanent funding.

The Legislation

• SB 142 requires health plans to reimburse for emergency medical services that are performed or provided as part of mobile integrated healthcare programs.
• HB 1378 requires health plans to reimburse for emergency medical services that are performed or provided as part of mobile integrated healthcare programs specifically in Delaware, White, and Montgomery counties from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027.
  
  • Allowing these MIH programs to collect reimbursement for three years, as well as gather data during that time, will assist in efforts of expanding this option across the state.
• SB 10 creates the Indiana Community Cares pilot program which allows eligible local units to apply for an annual grant to be used for building out customized response teams for Hoosiers having behavioral health challenges in both rural and urban Indiana.
  
  • By investing in proactive and sustainable paramedicine resources, Hoosiers will receive much need assistance while also reducing public safety expenses.

Why it Matters

• MIH programs help older residents stay in their homes and communities for as long as they would like and have been successful in our smaller, rural cities, as well as our larger ones.
• MIH curbs costs by reducing hospital readmissions and inappropriate use of emergency departments.