A while back I wrote about my proud look (which I very proudly inherited from my mother).  I have been wearing my proud look since I saw New Hope’s 2024 satisfaction survey scores that you can read about in this issue of the Heartbeat.  I am so proud because through these scores, I know we are fulfilling our mission to,”…actively support individuals with disabilities through compassionate, comprehensive services and unwavering advocacy for human dignity.”  I am so excited that almost 100% of the individuals we serve and their families/guardians would recommend New Hope!  At New Hope, everyone works tirelessly to ensure that the individuals we serve thrive. When 97% of the individuals, families and/or guardians give you 5 or 4 stars (out of 5), you know great things are happening here!  I want to emphasize that this is a #TeamNewHope endeavor – it takes everyone here to make this happen.  Kudos #TeamNewHope!

I don’t know about you, but I sure am looking forward to turning the page of the cold and snowy days of January!  Let’s hope February will be a little more hospitable! In February, New Hope’s self-advocates look forward to visiting with the Indiana General Assembly on Valentine’s Day each year.  The self-advocates can celebrate with our new Governor, Mike Braun, as his budget reflects no cuts to the Medicaid budget!  However, as New Hope recently heard from Mitch Roob, FSSA Secretary and head of Medicaid, the Medicaid budget is large, more than just our services, and each part has an effect on the others.  Washington also poses a whole other set of concerns. Will block grants or per capita caps for Medicaid be implemented by the new administration?  Both of these programs will eliminate increases in federal funds to the states.  Simply put, there is a lot going on!

We will try and keep you abreast of both state and federal changes to Medicaid funding in the Heartbeat.  We do not want to be too hyperbolic about the situation, but we are wary.  We may even need you to help with our advocacy efforts at the state house or with federal legislators this year, so stay tuned!

In the meantime, Happy Valentine’s Day!

Stay warm –

Allison