$2.5 billion Medicaid funds misused in Indiana nursing homes

An investigation by IndyStar has revealed a significant issue in Indiana's nursing homes. The report, led by investigative reporter Tony Cook, shows that county-owned hospitals in Indiana have diverted over $2.5 billion in Medicaid funds. These funds were intended for nursing home care but were used instead for unrelated projects. The investigation highlights that this scheme has worsened the staffing crisis in Indiana's nursing homes. Many facilities are struggling to provide adequate care to their elderly residents. The diversion of funds comes at a time when staffing levels in these homes are among the lowest in the country. Cook's reporting is a follow-up to earlier investigations from 2020. It emphasizes a lack of federal action to address this problem, even during attempts to reduce government spending. The investigation has been supported by public records obtained through a lawsuit filed by IndyStar. IndyStar continues to focus on accountability journalism, aiming to shed light on how decisions by powerful organizations affect everyday lives.