Make an Impact: Shape Indiana’s Medicaid Policies

Public input plays a critical role in shaping the services that impact individuals with disabilities and their families. Whether you’re a waiver participant, caregiver, provider, or advocate—this is your chance to make your voice heard.

 Learn more about why public comments matter. 

A public comment is when someone shares their opinion or feedback on a proposed government action, like a new rule or policy. It’s a way for people to voice their thoughts, ask questions, or suggest changes before decisions are made. A comment can be as brief as a sentence, address specific aspects, or respond to all aspects of a proposed regulation.

Even if your comments don’t lead to changes in the regulation, they still play an important role in potential lawsuits. Your feedback helps build the official record that government agencies must review when finalizing a rule or regulation.  Government agencies are required to take public comments into account. If they fail to properly consider the feedback, a judge may overturn the rule or regulation.

 Learn more about why public comments matter. 

Staying involved in Medicaid and disability policy means knowing when to speak up. Many public comment notices are posted directly on the websites of state agencies. 

Here are a few websites that you may find public input opportunities for proposed rules, waiver changes, and service updates:

• Indiana Register & Rulemaking Notices
  Track official rule proposals, public hearing dates, and instructions for submitting feedback.
  🔗 Visit Indiana Rulemaking Portal

• Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS) Waiver Re-Set Project Page
  Fact sheets, timelines, and amendment drafts for the CIH, FSW, Health & Wellness, and TBI waivers.
  🔗 Waiver Re-Set Page

• DDRS Draft Policies for Public Comment
  The Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services posts draft policies, grant applications, waiver renewal webinars, and other documents for public feedback.
  🔗 Visit DDRS Draft Policies for Public Comment

• FSSA Public Notices
  Indiana Family and Social Services Administration posts announcements for waiver changes, public hearings, and policy updates.
  🔗 Visit FSSA Public Notices

📬 Subscribe for Email Alerts

You can receive notifications directly by subscribing to updates from state agencies. These may include:

• FSSA news and rule changes

• DDRS waiver updates

• Medicaid bulletins

• Public hearing notices

Community-Based Alerts

Advocacy organizations and provider agencies often share comment opportunities, including:

• The Arc of Indiana

• Family Voices Indiana

• Indiana Disability Rights

• Local councils, self-advocacy groups, or waiver support networks
  
  

Public Engagement Opportunities

Look for invitations to join:

• Stakeholder forums

• Listening sessions

• Medicaid managed care feedback groups

• Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) advisory panels

These events are often posted on state websites, sent via email lists, or shared through provider agencies.

⏱ Stay Ahead of Deadlines

Most comment windows are short—often just 30 days. To stay informed:

• Check key websites monthly

• Subscribe to official agency updates

• Follow trusted advocacy groups on social media

• Ask your case manager or provider to forward announcements

These changes are still open for public comment. I’m sharing what I’ve said—and why.

These are the Medicaid waiver proposals and disability policy changes I’m actively commenting on—or have submitted comments for in the past. Current items are still open for public input, and I’m sharing my comments to help others speak up, too.

▶️ Read Current Comments
▶️ Browse Past Submissions

Here you'll find a record of past public comments that we submitted in response to proposed changes affecting Indiana's Medicaid waivers and home- and community-based services. These comments reflect our ongoing commitment to advocating for individuals with disabilities, family caregivers, and the providers who support them. Reviewing past submissions can help you stay informed on key issues and see how our voice has been used to shape policy.

Make an Impact with Your Policy Consideration Requests

As a member, provider, or other interested party, you have the power to make a difference by submitting Policy Consideration requests to the Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP). This process allows you to advocate for changes in policies that affect the healthcare system and the services you or those you care for receive. Whether you're requesting the addition of specific medical codes or services, revising a provider code set, or seeking changes to an existing medical policy, your voice matters.

What is a Policy Consideration Request?

A Policy Consideration request is a formal way to ask for changes or additions to existing policies that directly impact services and care. Some examples of what you can submit requests for include:

• Adding coverage for certain medical codes or services

• Revising provider code sets

• Revising current medical policies

This process isn’t intended for general questions about IHCP policies. 

How Can You Submit Your Request?

Submitting a Policy Consideration request is easy. Just fill out the form HERE and attach any supporting documents or information that can help clarify your request. Once your form is submitted, the Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning (OMPP) will begin reviewing it.

What Happens After You Submit Your Request?

After you submit your request, it will go through a review process. Here’s what to expect:

• Ongoing Review: Requests are reviewed based on the agency’s priorities and workflow. Reviews are not conducted during December and January.

• Notification: Once a decision is made, you will receive an email with a determination letter. If your request is approved, it will move into the implementation process. If denied, you’ll receive an explanation and can resubmit a new request after 18 months or with new supporting studies.

Note: Approved requests won’t be applied retroactively.

How to Check the Status of Your Request

You can track the status of your request throughout the process. Here’s how:

• Automatic Updates: During the review process, you will receive automatic email updates.

• Status Checks: At any time, you can check the status of your request by clicking on "View Existing Requests." You can search using keywords or your Policy Request Number, which will be provided after your submission.

Status Definitions

• Submitted: Your request is in the queue, awaiting assignment.

• Research: Your request is being researched, and the timeline depends on its complexity.

• In Review: Research is complete, and your request is under final review.

• Approved: Your request has been approved, and implementation will begin (no retroactive changes).

• Denied: Your request was denied, but you can resubmit after 18 months or with new studies.

• On Hold: Your request is on hold due to competing priorities or external factors.

• Inquiry: Your request is determined to be an inquiry, not a Policy Consideration, and will be redirected to the appropriate team.

How to Make Your Request Count

By submitting a Policy Consideration request, you contribute to improving the system and the care available to all. Whether you're advocating for better coverage or pushing for more equitable access to services, your input can directly impact the policies that shape healthcare.

For further questions or status updates contact PolicyConsideration@fssa.in.gov .

Start making a difference today!  Submit your Policy Consideration Requests HERE!